Armed men suspected to be herders reportedly raided private student hostels near Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, carting away valuables and allegedly killing two people.
The attack, which occurred in the Stadium Area of Ogbomoso, left many students traumatized. Witnesses say the assailants stormed several hostels around 2 AM on Monday, wielding guns and machetes. They forcefully entered rooms, stealing phones, laptops, and other gadgets, while also demanding passwords from their victims.
A student who spoke to SaharaReporters recounted the ordeal:
"They broke into hostels beside ours, robbing occupants and even guests lodged in nearby hotels. Those who resisted were beaten, with some ending up in the hospital. I heard that at least two people lost their lives that night."
Lautech students are getting robbed almost every day. Until they kill students?@oyostategovt @lautechofficial @Oyoaffairs @OyoPoliceNG
— ZAINAB💙IBADAN SCARF l GIFT BOX CURATOR l DATA (@zainab_horlaide) January 30, 2025
Please help repost pic.twitter.com/sX9V3Zqed7
Another student, who was absent during the attack, confirmed that similar incidents have been happening frequently, raising concerns over security in the area.
Social media has been flooded with reactions, with students and residents urging authorities to act. On X (formerly Twitter), a user, @Mars2rano, lamented:
"The insecurity around our campus is getting worse every day. We need urgent intervention from security agencies!"
This situation is getting worse every day. Our campus is turning into a hub for criminal activity. We urgently need tightened security in school areas.#lautech pic.twitter.com/jfxfZisHd2
— 2ranomars (@Mars2rano) January 30, 2025
Another user, @Salawu, directly appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, stating:
"Dear Gov @seyiamakinde, the insecurity in LAUTECH is alarming! Students are being robbed almost every day. Please take action before more lives are lost!"
This is one of the victims of the robbery in Lautech Ogbomoso. Their hostel was raided by the thieves, and gadgets worth millions were carted away. The lives of the students are at risk. Kindly do something ASAP!!!
— SALAWU||OMOIYAONIPAKO (@salawueedris1) January 25, 2025
Cc @seyiamakinde @FeedbackOYSG @PoliceNG pic.twitter.com/x1ondTpN4U
Despite the growing concern, security forces seem slow to react. Although students claim they have reported the incidents to Amotekun, the regional security outfit’s spokesperson, Mrs. Ayolola Adedoja, stated she was not aware of the attacks.
Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Command were also unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, declined multiple calls and has yet to respond to inquiries.