Kwara university students raise alarm over rape, robbery incidents

Students of Kwara State University (KWASU), located in Malete, have expressed deep concern about the rising occurrences of rape, robbery, and extortion both within and around the university environment.

In an emotional outcry that has quickly spread across social media in the state, the students described the security situation as highly disturbing, stating that they constantly live in fear for their safety.

“We are not safe. Robbery and rape cases happen every day within the students’ community in KWASU, and we are tired,” one of the students lamented.

The students claimed that attacks by criminals have become frequent, particularly in privately owned hostels situated off the university campus.

They reported that numerous students have been subjected to rape, theft, and physical violence, and said that security forces have done little to offer them protection, among several other troubling issues.

They appealed to both the state government and university management to take urgent steps to address the problem.

In reaction to the situation, the university administration announced new strategies aimed at preventing further incidents.

A statement signed by the registrar, Dr. Kikelomo Sallee, noted that a joint patrol team made up of members of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and community-based security units had been dispatched to the area to help restore calm and safety.

In a separate development, the university announced new restrictions on Monday as part of efforts to reduce robbery cases in the school vicinity.

According to a statement by Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, Ag. Director, University Relations, the use of motorbikes has been prohibited from 10 p.m., and all business operations and movement are to end by 11 p.m.

“All generator sets must be put off by 12 pm and no night parties will be held in the community henceforth,” she said.

She explained that these restrictions were agreed upon at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, which was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, along with his full management team, the chairperson of Moro Local Government Area, traditional leaders, and representatives of security agencies.