The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested two suspects linked to a robbery attack on private student hostels near Ekiti State University, raising fresh concerns about the safety of students living off-campus.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly caused panic among students residing in hostels located in the Iworoko area of Ado Ekiti.
Police authorities said the robbery took place at about 2:30 am, when a group of armed suspects invaded the hostels and forcefully collected valuables, including mobile phones and other personal belongings from students.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the command acted swiftly after receiving a distress call from the affected students.
According to him, officers from the Iworoko Police Division immediately mobilised and launched a manhunt for the suspects.
“At about 2:30 am on Saturday, a distress call was received from students’ hostels off-campus in Iworoko that some suspected robbers broke into their hostels and dispossessed them of their phones,” Abutu said.
He explained that the police operatives tracked the suspects to their hideout shortly after the attack, leading to the arrest of two members of the gang, while others managed to escape.
The arrested suspects were identified as 26-year-old Abdulraman Abdulmumini and 31-year-old Abdulsalam Oseni. During interrogation, both men reportedly confessed to taking part in the robbery and also provided information about other members of the gang who are currently on the run.
Police said several items believed to have been stolen during the operation were recovered from the suspects. These include two mobile phones, two MP digital radios, clothing items, shoes, and an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle allegedly used in carrying out the attack.
The recovery of the motorcycle, according to police sources, played a key role in tracking the suspects to their hideout.
Abutu added that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang and recover more stolen items.
“Investigation is underway, and the arrested suspects are helping with necessary information that will aid the arrest of the fleeing suspects as well as recovery of other stolen items,” he said.
The robbery has once again brought attention to the security challenges faced by students living in off-campus hostels around higher institutions in Nigeria.
Many universities, including Ekiti State University, have a large number of students who reside outside the main campus due to limited accommodation within school premises. These off-campus areas are often less secured, making them vulnerable to criminal activities such as theft and robbery.
Students in Iworoko and surrounding areas have in the past raised concerns about poor security, especially at night. Some have called for increased police patrols and better lighting in the area to deter criminal elements.
A student who spoke anonymously said the attack has left many residents shaken.
“We were all scared. They came in the middle of the night and took people’s phones and belongings. Nobody wants to sleep with both eyes closed anymore,” the student said.
They also advise students to take precautionary measures such as securing their doors properly, avoiding late-night movements when possible, and reporting suspicious activities to security agencies promptly.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, has called on members of the public to support the police with useful information that can help in tackling crime across the state.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to go after criminal elements operating within the state.
“The cooperation of the public is very important. We urge residents to provide credible information that can help us arrest those involved in criminal activities,” the commissioner said.
In recent times, police authorities across Nigeria have intensified efforts to combat rising cases of robbery and other forms of crime, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
However, challenges such as limited manpower, logistics, and rapid population growth continue to put pressure on security agencies.
For students and residents of Iworoko, the latest arrests may offer some relief, but many say more needs to be done to prevent future attacks.
As investigations continue, the police have assured that the suspects will be charged to court once the process is completed.
The command also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.
For now, calm has returned to the affected hostels, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community support in maintaining security.
Residents hope that the ongoing police efforts will lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects and help restore confidence in the safety of the area.