On Roaming Strangers, the Rise of Theft and Need for Strict Security Measures in ‘First and Best’

Opemipo Olukoga

Over time, Nigeria has transformed into a place where its citizens no longer find security. Instances of kidnapping, theft of belongings, and armed robberies targeting both individuals and institutions have proliferated in the country, leaving residents scrambling for safety. It is obvious that even spaces traditionally considered secure such as higher institutions are now devoid of safety. There is nowhere that can be considered entirely safe anymore. As one ventures out daily for bread, even within the confines of one’s own home, danger could strike unexpectedly, leaving the question of where even is safe?

Recently, a major concern is theft and robbery within institutions, including educational institutions. The University of Ibadan nicknamed, The First and Best, which was  once renowned for its stringent security measures among other institutions of higher learning, has seen a decline in its ability to provide a safe haven for its students.

Since the 2019 AWO hall robbery incident, which nobody wishes to see repeated, incidents of theft accompanied by coercion have unfortunately become a not-so-far-fetched reality. While some victims choose not to report their experiences, groups that manage to apprehend thieves are often left unaware of the subsequent legal outcomes for these perpetrators.

Moreover, recent events such as the robbery at Queens Hall and the apprehension of a thief at Nnamdi Azikwe Hall are deeply troubling. Despite these individuals acting alone and unmasked, there remains a looming threat. The fear persists that someday, a group of armed and ruthless robbers could strike, threatening to forcibly take valuables or, worse, endanger lives. Such traumatic experiences could leave lasting scars on their victims, haunting them indefinitely.

The University of Ibadan no longer enjoys a reputation for security, and students living in the halls can no longer pride themselves over those residing in Agbowo. The sense of safety has diminished for everyone, as fear now grips many hearts. 

In an article published by Zik Press on the apprehension of the thief, the thief was said to have been caught red-handed attempting to steal from a room in A Block of the Hall. According to eyewitnesses, the thief had a history of similar offences and was quickly surrounded by a group of students. Frustrated by the recurring incidents, the students took matters into their own hands and severely beat the thief before campus security services arrived to intervene. If this incident is resolved, how many more should we anticipate? When will the insecurity cease?

Reacting to this, Khalid, a Zikite informed AFAS PRESS of how shocked he had been by this incident due to its repeated occurrence.

“Although, I heard noise and didn’t step out to witness the incident, I was informed The thief was handed over to the security unit(abefele). However, this is the cycle every session. We catch him, hand him over, then they release him only for him to come steal again the following session!”

Also, Sinmiloluwa shared a firsthand account of a robbery incident at Queens’ Hall University in previous session, in which her roommate was a victim and had to purchase a new phone. Furthermore, she brought attention to the presence of a questionable individual who, under the guise of an evangelist, as though had been granted permission by the University to conduct fellowships in Queens’ Hall, knocked on the doors of Queenites.

“The man went away with keys to several rooms, especially those who left theirs at the entrance! He went back to the rooms and took their valuables. However, till now, I’ve no news about where they were taken to or what happened to him or the one that stole my friend’s phone”

The recent robbery that occurred at the Baptist Church, located within the premises of the prestigious First and Best University, where thieves stole projectors, is also an appalling incident. Adekunle Oyinlola*, an active member of the Baptists Student Fellowship that worships at the church, expressed her dismay and disappointment at the recent incident.

“The incident occurred overnight from Monday to Tuesday. Thieves targeted four televisions/projectors, three located inside the church and one outside, all secured in iron frames with padlocks. They managed to steal three, as the fourth fell and its screen broke. Despite having security personnel stationed outside the premises overnight and barred wires surrounding the fences, we were shocked and surprised by this incident, as we had assumed the school was a safe environment. However, I am unaware if the incident is being investigated or if any measures are being taken to address it.”

The university campus no longer appears to be a secure environment, as students are growing increasingly concerned about the presence of unknown individuals, particularly those exhibiting signs of mental instability and posing a potential risk to students. During the previous academic session, reports emerged of two men engaging in erratic behavior, indecent exposure, and harassment of students in less populated areas. While university authorities are presumed to be aware of these incidents, uncertainty persists regarding the current status of these individuals, including whether they remain on campus, if they have caused harm to any students who are reluctant to report due to fear of stigma, and if the university has taken sufficient measures to restrict their access to the campus. There were rumors that one of the individuals was apprehended but subsequently released due to a reported mental health crisis.

The University of Ibadan, with its sprawling campus resembling a small city, raises concerns about security due to the diverse activities and constant flow of people. It’s alarming to consider that one might unknowingly walk alongside a thief. Although security personnel inspect and verify the identity of motorists, the measures seem insufficient. After all, thieves can also walk onto campus undetected.

During a protest demonstration seeking fee reductions and addressing electricity rationing, Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Olapegba highlighted the scarcity of security personnel and the demanding nature of their work, often requiring them to operate around the clock. While this insight is valuable, it underscores the need for continuous recruitment efforts by the university management to ensure the safety of its residents. 

Residing in Nigeria entails risks amidst pervasive insecurity, but concerted efforts could mitigate these challenges, particularly within educational institutions that nurture tomorrow’s leaders. If these aspiring leaders (both students of the university and students studying in primary and secondary schools located on the university campus) continue to face risks of harm, injury, trauma, or even death, what future awaits us?