Growing insecurity and environmental concerns have sparked alarm among students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), as farm encroachment by surrounding villagers continues to obstruct walkways and pose risks to their safety. Reports of robberies, harassment, and environmental hazards have led to renewed calls for urgent action from the university authorities.
Abdulsalam Salaudeen, a 300-level student of the Chemistry Department, recounted a distressing experience as he returned from class on a recent afternoon. Tired and hoping to charge his phone and eat dinner, he took the familiar Gidan Yumfa route only to fall victim to a phone snatcher.
“My Tecno Spark Go 2022 was snatched. I was also injured near the plantation. I don’t even know who to turn to for help,” Abdulsalam said, adding that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when he attempted to take a shortcut through a footpath near the A.C. block to avoid damaged roads.
The situation escalated when he was stopped by a farmer and his sons, who claimed he was stepping on their crops. “Even after I explained in Hausa that I was late for lectures, he refused to let me pass,” he said. “I missed an important class that day, and this issue of planting crops along walkways is creating real insecurity for us.”
Several students shared similar concerns, pointing to reduced walkable space and increased risk of theft and assault.
Abdul Mujib, a 400-level Education Management student, said, “Before, four to five students could walk comfortably along the path. Now, only two to three can squeeze through because the farmers have taken over the walkways.”
He added that criminals now take advantage of the tall plants to hide and ambush students. “They snatch phones and even harm students who resist,” he said.
S.B. Sekka, a 400-level Political Science student, noted that although the university permitted farming around campus, it has lost control over what villagers plant. “The school allowed it, and now students are suffering. If you can’t cope with the danger, they say you should return to the school hostel,” he remarked.
Other students raised environmental concerns. Happiness, a 300-level Pure Chemistry student, said the farming activity had increased mosquito presence and pollution, particularly affecting students attending night classes.
The Chief Security Officer of UDUS, Colonel Abdullahi Gwandu (rtd), acknowledged the growing tension and said the university was actively working to address the matter. “I visited the area myself. We instructed the villagers to plant only legumes, but they also planted millet, which now blocks walkways,” he stated. “We’ve engaged local leaders, but it’s clear that stronger actions are necessary to protect our students.”
Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Umar Aliyu, confirmed the university’s stance on the issue. “We will allow only legumes groundnuts, beans, tomatoes but not millet,” he said. “The villagers are violating our agreement, and we’re prepared to take corrective measures, including spraying chemicals to remove prohibited crops.”
The university management, security unit, and student leaders are now expected to collaborate more closely to restore order and ensure student safety, especially as the rainy season continues to compound mobility challenges around campus.
