In the aftermath of the recent armed robbery incidents that rattled student communities around Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, The Nigeria Education News returned to the campus to dig deeper—asking what really happened, who was affected, and what actions have been taken by authorities since.
Multiple reports had earlier confirmed that in January and February 2025, suspected armed herdsmen stormed student-populated areas around the Stadium and Under G axis, where they allegedly broke into hostels, carted away valuables, and inflicted violence on students, leading to injuries and—according to unconfirmed accounts by students—possible fatalities.
Following LAUTECH’s 17th convocation ceremony, our team spoke with students across faculties to get a clearer picture of events and subsequent interventions. A 400-level Statistics student who requested anonymity revealed that he was one of the victims of the February attack. “They came around 2 AM. I was beaten and my phone, laptop, and all gadgets were taken. That night was brutal,” he recounted. “We started witnessing such invasions since last December, but February’s was the worst.”
According to him, the attacks triggered student protests, which pushed the school management to act. “After the February incident, many of us reached out to the school authority. That’s when we began to see changes.”
A recent graduate from the Department of Food Science and Technology also confirmed the February attacks. While she was not directly affected, two of her close friends were victims. “They were robbed and injured,” she said. “The school responded quickly and ensured they got medical attention.”
On what measures have followed, she explained that the university has now taken on greater responsibility for student safety despite lacking official student hostels. “The school has engaged local vigilantes who now patrol the hostels in groups. They’re treating private hostels like their own properties now.”
Our reporters also visited the Student Affairs Division, where a university staff member, who preferred to remain unnamed, spoke briefly. “Yes, there have been cases of armed robbery,” she confirmed. “The university immediately took steps. We now have visible security in most affected areas. We’re also urging students to avoid night movements and to report any suspicious activity.”
When asked if any arrests have been made in connection with the attacks, the staff member replied, “We’re still working with the police and local authorities, but so far, no arrests have been confirmed. The search is still on.”
Some students expressed cautious optimism about the improvements. “We now see security personnel more frequently,” a student from the Faculty of Engineering said. “But there’s still fear, especially during late-night studies.”
Others remained concerned. “We appreciate the school’s response, but more needs to be done,” said a 300-level female student. “Proper street lighting, collaboration with law enforcement, and a direct emergency line for students would help.”
On X (formerly Twitter), student users have continued to voice their frustrations. @Mars2rano posted: “Our campus is no longer safe. We are scared to sleep. Police and LAUTECH authorities must take stronger action now.”
Another student, who witnessed one of the attacks, shared: “They beat students who refused to unlock their phones. Some people said two people died that night, but I can’t confirm that myself. It’s not just theft; it’s terrorism. We need real protection.”
As part of our investigation, we asked students what more LAUTECH should do to bring an end to the incidents. A 200-level student from the Department of Biochemistry suggested the introduction of a campus-wide security alert system: “There should be an app or SMS system where students can report real-time emergencies. Also, we need CCTV coverage around major hostel routes.”
Another student from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning advised the university to work more closely with the community. “The school should collaborate with landlords and hostel managers to enforce uniform security standards—hostel gates, lighting, even curfews where necessary. Everyone needs to be part of the solution.”
While the school’s response has led to some calm, the incidents have reopened debates around the need for on-campus accommodation. A final-year student said, “If the school had its own hostels, maybe security would be easier to control. We live in scattered places, and that exposes us.”
For now, LAUTECH students remain vigilant as they continue with academic activities. The question that lingers is whether the measures taken are sustainable or just temporary fixes in response to a public outcry.
