Police intervene as robbers raid female hostel in UI

Robbers have broken into and raided the Awolowo Hall hostel for female students at the University of Ibadan (UI).

The assailants targeted mobile phones, jewellery, clothing, and other personal belongings during the raid which lasted for over an hour.

The incident, UI’s PRO Joke Akinpelu told TheCable, occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

It is understood that security personnel were alerted by the screams of distressed students.

Campus sources say some students suffered physical assault during the attack.

Akinpelu said some suspects were apprehended and handed over to the Sango Police Station for further investigation.

The UI robbery situation is the latest in a series of events that highlight ongoing challenges with campus safety in Nigeria.

UI has faced security concerns in the past, with occasional reports of theft and armed intrusion in student hostels.

In July 2019, armed robbers invaded the Obafemi Awolowo Hall around 1:30 am, injuring two students and stealing valuables such as phones, laptops, and cash.

In August 2019, the Abdulsalami Abubakar Hall, a postgraduate residence, was attacked, resulting in injuries to two male students who attempted to resist the assailants.

The university, in response, has often implemented measures including a partial curfew and restrictions on male visitors to female hostels to enhance campus security.