Students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ibogun campus, Ogun State, took to the streets on Saturday to protest against repeated armed robbery attacks on their hostels. The demonstration followed a midnight robbery in which two students were injured and valuables including money, phones, laptops, and a Lexus car were stolen.
Peaceful Protest Turns Violent
Carrying placards with messages such as “Give us Security” and singing solidarity songs, the students—mostly from the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Studies—demanded safety and protection of lives and property. However, they were attacked by thugs wielding cutlasses, bottles, and other dangerous weapons. Several students sustained injuries during the assault.
Witness Account
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the armed robbers invaded the student hostel at midnight, injured two students, and stole phones, laptops, and a car. The attack prompted the protest, but thugs also targeted the demonstrators. “Armed robbers reportedly invaded a student hostel in the downtown area of Ibogun, carting away phones, money, laptops, and even a Lexus car. Two students were seriously injured. In response, students took to the streets in a peaceful protest. Shockingly, instead of being heard, they were violently attacked by area thugs. Several students sustained injuries during the protest,” the resident said.
Police Response
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation has been launched. He noted that the Divisional Police Officer of Ibogun Police Division and the Area Commander have been deployed to assess the situation. Babaseyi called for calm among the students, assuring that decisive actions are being taken to ensure security in the area.
