One of the fundamental roles of a government is protection of lives and properties. As a result, the stand of security cannot be overlooked in evaluating or accessing the success of an administration.
The opposite of security is insecurity, and the only way to overcome insecurity is to take risks. Life itself is a risk. Failure to take the risk may leave a lot exposed and what have you.
It should be noted that the hostel facilities within the University isn’t enough to house the larger percentage of the regular students populace. So, the need to search for accomodation out of the campus is a necessity for those not privileged to be assigned space in the University hostels. Areas like Agbowo, Water, Ajibode and Orogun are the major hosts of the off-campus students.
Without mincing words, University of Ibadan students and the other residents residing in the aforementioned areas have not been sleeping with two eyes closed over the past months if not years now due to the incessant attacks by suspected assailants/hoodlums/armed robbers.
Countless had been lost to the attacks ranging from property theft, injuries, ladies been sexually harassed and host of others. The first semester of the current academic session went on virtually and during this period, many students lost their gadgets (phones, laptops etc) to the cold hand of suspected armed robbers and then, it occurred almost everyday to the extent that some had to leave their vicinities to have a safe haven elsewhere.
Recent incidences, specifically in the past two weeks have been so tensed and unfriendly especially around Preboye side along Bodija road. Barely two weeks ago, the President for the Nigeria University Education Students’ Association (NUESA), University of Ibadan Chapter, Mr. Jude Nicholas was robbed of two iphones at this side; he was so fortunate to escape being shot. Few days later, a boy was robbed of his bag and was matcheted in front of SU hotel around this very side too. Ayo Fatoki and the Tedder Hall Chairman, Hon. Short as fondly called (both 400L students) also escaped being robbed at this very site.
Ojo Seun, a 400L Law student was also robbed of his phone this same place days ago. Just this past Saturday, Adebayo Ridwan a final year student of the department of History was shot dead at this same location.
Bike and vehicle snatching is also incessant in all the aforementioned areas. This need to be checked and looked into as a matter of urgency. The students are not allowed to learn at the pace expected of them as a result of the fear of the unknown.
According to Stephen Covey, “security represents your sense of worth, your identity, your emotional anchorage, your self-esteem, your basic personal strength or lack of it.” Security of our lives and properties meant a lot to us and it is on this note, I’m calling the attention of the Governor of Oyo State, Gov. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde to intervene and save us from all these atrocities. Our souls need be saved as we’re dying.
Faisodeen Adeola is the President, Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), University of Ibadan.
