The Osun State Police Command has responded to mounting security concerns raised by the Student Union Government of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, regarding the alarming increase in robbery incidents targeting students living in off-campus residences.

According to a statement released on Friday by Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi, the Student Union leadership and university management held a meeting with the Area Commander of the Ile-Ife Police Division on Thursday to address the security crisis affecting students across various residential areas in Ile-Ife.

Following the deliberations, the Area Commander announced several immediate security measures, including the deployment of tactical police squads and collaboration with vigilantes and local security guards to enhance protection in student-populated areas.

Police Assurances and Guidelines

"While the tactical officers will have to conduct comprehensive stop-and-search operations, they have been given strict instructions not to harass students or demand items such as driver's licenses, as that is beyond their jurisdiction," Ojelabi quoted the Area Commander as saying.

The police spokesperson added that students should report any officer found harassing them for immediate disciplinary action. He urged students to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to authorities, and cooperate with police personnel deployed to their residential areas.

The Student Union had reported over 30 robbery cases involving students within just two weeks, creating an atmosphere of fear among the student population. In a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by President Omoboriowo Isaac and Secretary-General Babatimehin Kinfeosi, the union warned that students would take to the streets in protest if the situation did not improve.

University Management's Position

Meanwhile, the OAU management has distanced itself from responsibility for off-campus security incidents. The university's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, stated on Thursday that the institution is not responsible for the safety of students outside the university premises.

"It is the statutory responsibility of security operatives to police everybody, including those on campus. However, any student staying outside campus should be protected and report robbery cases to the Nigerian Police. They are the ones empowered to handle such cases," Olanrewaju explained.

While expressing sympathy for affected students, he maintained that the university management is "incapacitated to extend security from the campus to those areas" and can only address incidents that occur within campus boundaries.

The police have called on students to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as they work to restore safety in the affected areas.