Authorities at Kwara State University (KWASU) have executed an emergency relocation of students and staff from its Ilesha-Baruba campus back to the main Malete campus. This drastic move followed credible intelligence and widespread panic over an alleged plot by terrorists to carry out a mass abduction of students on campus.
Panic and Sudden Evacuation
The decision, which came barely weeks after the Kwara state government had directed students to resume at the Ilesha-Baruba site, has sent shockwaves through the university community. Students, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security fears, described a climate of intense anxiety. Information began circulating among students and locals about a planned large-scale attack, specifically targeting the high concentration of students.
"We were told terrorists were planning to kidnap many students at once," one student revealed. The fear was so palpable that many did not wait for formal procedures. "We packed our things in fear. Many of us could not even wait till morning before leaving," another student added, questioning the official narrative of improved security that had prompted their initial return.
Community Reports and Official Response
Sources within the Ilesha-Baruba community corroborated the students' fears, reporting unusual and suspicious movements in the surrounding bushes and settlements. These observations raised alarms that the university campus, with its large population, presented an easy target for kidnappers.
In response to the escalating concerns, the university management issued a press release signed by the Acting Director of University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu. The statement framed the relocation as a "precautionary security measure as the year winds down." Interestingly, the management also linked the move to preparations for the institution's 13th Convocation Ceremony, which commenced on December 9th, suggesting the Ilesha-Baruba community would participate in the week-long events before a mid-semester break.
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Fears
Despite the administration's assurances, a significant number of students and parents remain skeptical. For them, the abruptness of the evacuation order—coming less than two months after a government-sanctioned resumption—speaks louder than official statements. The underlying security threat appears far from resolved.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the alleged terrorist plot. This silence has further fueled calls from the affected students and their families for the government to guarantee lasting security before any future academic activities are considered for the Ilesha-Baruba campus. The incident highlights the persistent vulnerability of educational institutions in certain regions and the profound disruption caused by the ever-present threat of kidnapping.
