The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a “climate of fear and blood” enveloping the university community due to a disturbing rise in violent robberies targeting students.

In a statement issued today, the student body called for urgent and decisive action from the Osun State Government and relevant security agencies to halt what it termed a “reign of terror” being unleashed on the student population.

The latest reported incident occurred late Monday night at Oreoluwa Hostel in Moremi Estate, where armed assailants stormed the premises, stealing phones, laptops, and other valuables. Several students were reportedly injured during the attack.

“This is not an isolated occurrence. It is a continuation of a frightening trend that has persisted for far too long, while those charged with protecting lives and property look away in shameful silence,” the SRC stated.

The students accused the Osun State Government of negligence and questioned the transparency and effectiveness of monthly security votes allocated to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“We are not unaware that millions of naira are released monthly as security votes to the Governor of Osun State, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer. Yet, the streets of Ile-Ife remain unsafe, and our students continue to bleed. If these funds are truly used for security, where is the evidence?” the statement queried.

The council urged the Governor, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Divisional Police Officer of the Moore Division to act swiftly to restore security within and around the university environment.

“Our safety must not be treated as a privilege. It is our right,” the statement emphasized.

In addition, the SRC called on the university administration to address the long-standing accommodation crisis that has forced many students to live off-campus, where they are more exposed to criminal attacks.

“Safety cannot be guaranteed when students are left with no choice but to reside outside the university due to inadequate on-campus hostels,” it said.

The council also expressed solidarity with the victims of the latest attack and vowed to continue demanding accountability and protection.

“We demand action. We demand protection. We demand justice,” the SRC concluded.