Robbery Crisis in KWASU: Students Cry for Safety Amid Unending Attacks in Malete
In what many are now calling an ongoing crisis, students of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have raised serious concerns over a wave of armed robbery attacks that have plagued hostels and communities around the campus for over two months. The situation has left many injured, terrified, and heartbroken as cries for help continue to go unheard.
Despite the alarming frequency of these attacks, the school authorities have yet to publicly acknowledge or address the issue, according to multiple students who have taken to social media to voice their frustration. The silence from the management and student union has further deepened the fear that students are being left to defend themselves in the face of a growing threat.
Two Months of Robbery and Fear
Reports from students indicate that the robbery incidents began subtly, with petty thefts in off-campus hostels. However, it quickly escalated into armed invasions involving physical assaults and the loss of valuable property such as phones, laptops, motorcycles, and even food items.
One student lamented, “Robbers came into our hostel with weapons. They beat one of my roommates and took all our phones. This is the third time they’ve come within weeks, and there’s no light or security at night. We are scared for our lives.”
Another tweet read: “Robbery has been happening in an institution for two months now, and the school @KwasuOfficial has not even addressed it. Do they want the armed robbers to start killing students before they act?”
Silence from the School Authorities
What has shocked many is not just the robbery itself but the lack of communication or intervention from the school management. The institution’s social media pages remain silent, with no official statement or safety measures announced to address the rising insecurity in Malete.
Some students have accused KWASU of behaving more like a profit-driven organization than an institution that cares about its community. “I’m beginning to see KWASU as a business that cares less about its consumers,” another student wrote on social media. “Our safety matters, but the school is turning a deaf ear to our cry.”
The Role of the Student Union and Local Authorities
Students have also criticized the Student Union Government (SUG) for not acting fast enough or speaking up. In response, some have taken matters into their own hands by reporting the incidents to the police headquarters in Ilorin. A few student groups have organized online campaigns under hashtags like #Kwasu to amplify their voices and get national attention.
Unfortunately, security presence in Malete remains weak, especially in areas where many hostels are located. Street lights are absent or not functional, and many hostels do not have guards or CCTV surveillance systems.
What Can Be Done? – Possible Solutions for KWASU Management
To resolve this growing crisis, a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary. Below are some of the steps the school management and relevant authorities can take:
- Immediate Public Acknowledgment: The management must release an official statement addressing the incidents and provide reassurance to students and parents.
- Strengthen Security Around Hostels: Collaborate with private hostel owners to ensure that security guards are employed, and street lighting is improved around student areas.
- Partner with Local Police: The school should work with the Kwara State Police Command to increase patrols in Malete, especially at night.
- Emergency Alert Systems: Set up a student emergency hotline or panic app that can be used to report robbery attempts in real-time.
- Engage the Student Union: The SUG must become active in addressing student safety issues and should create awareness campaigns on how to stay alert.
How Students Can Stay Safe During This Period
While the authorities take action, students must also play their part in protecting themselves and others. Here are some tips:
- Always lock your doors and windows before sleeping or leaving your room.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
- Do not publicize expensive gadgets or large amounts of cash.
- Organize community watch groups within your hostels or lodges.
- Keep emergency numbers saved and share them with your roommates or neighbors.
- Report any suspicious movement or persons to your hostel caretaker or nearest police outpost.
What’s Next for KWASU?
The robbery incidents have exposed serious gaps in the campus-community security system. Students are tired of being silent victims. They want to study, sleep, and live in peace — a basic right every university student deserves.
As Nigeria continues to fight against insecurity in various sectors, it is essential that tertiary institutions like KWASU do not fold their arms. Ignoring the safety of students can lead to greater consequences, including withdrawal of students, bad public image, and national backlash.
Conclusion
The current wave of robberies in KWASU Malete must not be swept under the carpet. Students have spoken, the nation is watching, and now the management must act. Silence is no longer golden. The time to protect the future leaders of Nigeria is now.
We stand in solidarity with all KWASU students and call on the school, local authorities, and the Student Union Government to take swift and meaningful action.
