Insecurity: NAUS Raises Alarm Over Rising Off-Campus Attacks On UNILESA Students

The National Association of University Students (NAUS), Osun State Axis, has expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing rise in cases of insecurity affecting students of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA), particularly those residing off-campus.

In a statement signed by the Vice Chairman of the association, Comrade Olalekan Johnson D (IDERA), and made available to journalists on Monday, the student body said students living in areas such as Micho Dollar, Campus Area, and Ido Ijesa now live in fear due to recurring incidents of harassment, extortion, and violent attacks by unidentified individuals.

“It is deeply troubling that reports of harassment, extortion, and the forceful seizure of mobile phones by unknown individuals continue to resurface in these areas.

“Students now live in fear—constantly worried about their safety once they leave the campus gate. This situation is not only appalling but a gross violation of their right to safety and freedom of movement,” the statement read.

While commending the UNILESA management for efforts made in ensuring a secure environment within the school premises, NAUS noted that the protection of students’ lives must not end at the school gates.

The union lamented the absence of a fully empowered student representative structure to confront or report these security threats in off-campus locations.

“It is unacceptable that there is currently no student representative structure fully empowered to tackle or escalate these threats off-campus,” the statement added.

The student association called on the university administration, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly in order to prevent the worsening of the situation. NAUS reiterated its readiness to engage stakeholders and mobilise resources in defence of the Nigerian student, noting that “the safety of one is the responsibility of all.”

Efforts to get a response from the UNILESA management as of press time proved abortive.