EKSU Students Cry Out for Help After Suspected Armed Robbers Attack Hostels

The Ekiti State University (EKSU) students have cried out for help after suspected armed robbers attacked their hostels around the phase 2 area of the campus on Friday.

According to the university’s student union, “armed criminals violently raided more than five off-campus hostels in the Iworoko area of the state in the early hours of Friday, carting away valuable items, including phones, laptops, and undisclosed sums of money”.

“At least four hostels were invaded around midnight, with students robbed of phones, laptops, and other valuables,” the union wrote on X on Monday.

“One student was severely assaulted, sustaining serious head injuries from a cutlass. The attackers were armed with dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, hammers, and firearms. Students are losing more than property; they are losing their safety and mental well-being.”

Speaking to TheCable, Abutu Sunday, spokesperson of the state police command, confirmed the attacks, adding that a suspect has been arrested while investigations continue.

“Yes, there was a robbery attack on the hostels. Immediately we were alerted, our men swung into action, leading to the arrest of a suspect, a member of the syndicate behind the attack. Investigation is ongoing,” Sunday said.

The student union called for the urgent intervention of Biodun Oyebanji over what it described as a “security crisis” driven by repeated robberies targeting students.

The union said the latest attack has heightened fear and uncertainty across the community, despite ongoing examinations.

The union called for immediate and sustained motorised patrols in all student-dense areas within the community and across the university environment.

The group also demanded “functional, well-publicised rapid-response hotlines and critical lighting infrastructure in identified flashpoints”.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, signed by Osunyomi Anjola and Ojotu Opemipo, the union said the persistent hostel robberies continue to threaten students’ safety, peace of mind, and academic performance.

The student leadership said it has engaged the university management, security agencies, and relevant authorities to strengthen security presence around the school area, improve lighting and surveillance, enhance patrol and response systems, and address the root causes of the attacks.

“We are committed to ensuring that concrete and sustainable measures are put in place to bring these attacks to an immediate end. Your safety remains our top priority,” the statement reads.

“We urge all students to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities promptly to the student union or security personnel, and avoid moving alone at night until normalcy is fully restored.”