The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a midnight attack on student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ibogun Campus, following a violent robbery that left several students injured and many others in fear.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. According to reports, a group of suspected armed robbers invaded the hostels, shooting into the air and attacking students as they moved from one building to another.
Eyewitness accounts shared on social media described a chaotic scene, as students fled their rooms to escape the attackers. One of the posts, made by a user identified as Jinadu Michael Mabayomije on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that about 12 gunmen carried out the operation.
The post alleged that the attackers were heavily armed and operated freely within the campus, dispossessing students of phones, laptops, and other valuables. It also stated that a student’s vehicle was stolen during the incident.
“Armed robbery attack at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, at midnight,” the post read. “A gang of about 12 armed robbers invaded student hostels, stealing phones and gadgets, carjacking a student’s vehicle, and leaving some students injured and bleeding.”
The post further claimed that the attackers fired shots as they moved across different hostels, creating panic among students who were caught off guard. Some of the victims were said to have sustained injuries while trying to escape through windows and other exits.
Students who spoke after the incident said the attack lasted for several minutes, during which the gunmen operated without immediate resistance. Many described the experience as terrifying, noting that they had to run for safety in the dark.
“This level of criminality on a university campus cannot be tolerated,” the social media post added, calling on the Ogun State Government and security agencies to act swiftly.
In response to the incident, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that an investigation had begun. He said the Divisional Police Officer of the Ibogun Police Division, along with the Area Commander, had been deployed to the campus to assess the situation and begin preliminary inquiries.
Babaseyi assured the public that the police were taking the matter seriously and would work to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. He also called for calm among students and residents, stressing that measures were being put in place to restore confidence and ensure safety.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm,” he said, adding that the police would provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The attack has once again brought attention to the issue of campus security in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been several reports of robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes targeting students, especially in off-campus hostels and institutions located in less urban areas.
Olabisi Onabanjo University, a state-owned institution, has multiple campuses spread across Ogun State, with the Ibogun Campus located in Ifo Local Government Area. Like many universities in Nigeria, a large number of its students live in private hostels around the campus, which are often less secure than on-campus accommodation.
Some students affected by the incident have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate security arrangements. They called on the university management and the state government to take urgent steps to prevent a repeat of such attacks.
“We don’t feel safe anymore,” one student said. “We need better security, especially at night. This should not happen in a place where people come to learn.”
Parents and guardians have also raised concerns, urging authorities to prioritise the safety of students. Many say incidents like this could discourage young people from pursuing higher education, particularly in institutions located in semi-urban or rural areas.
Civil society groups have echoed these concerns, noting that education can only thrive in a safe environment. They have called for increased patrols, installation of security lights, and the use of surveillance systems in and around campuses.
As the police investigation continues, attention will be focused on how quickly suspects can be identified and brought to justice. The outcome of the probe is expected to play a key role in restoring confidence among students and the wider community.
For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the security challenges facing many parts of the country, and the need for coordinated efforts to protect lives and property.
Students of Olabisi Onabanjo University have returned to their daily activities, but the fear and shock from the midnight attack remain fresh. Many hope that swift action by the authorities will not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also prevent future incidents.
The Ogun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents, including students, and has urged anyone with useful information to come forward.