ON THEFT AND CAMPUS SECURITY

Theft on campus has turned to be a ceaseless occurrence. Despite the threats and acts of jungle justice which naturally should deter future thieves, cases of thievery have not been a thing of history. It is still a large-horned beast that stares us right in the face.

 

It would be foolhardy and mere romance with fantasy to even begin to imagine a scenario where perpetrators of such acts could be persuaded to desist from it. Instead of wasting time naively hoping they will have a change of hearts, the focus should be on making sure they do not succeed in their evil plans.

 

I believe halls of residence should borrow a leaf from Independence Hall’s Defence Commissioner, popularly referred to as Sewa Macho. He is known for performing his duties even to a fault. Any resident of the hall would testify to the fact that he and his fellow marshals parade the hostel on suspicious nights when the sons of evil roam about. The primary duty of any leadership is protection of the followers.

 

It is the job of both the hall administrations and student leaders to ensure appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety of students’ properties, at least to a reasonable extent. Nets, locks and windows should be provided to shield room occupants from the feasting eyes of these thieves. Last semester, I went round taking pictures in my hall for a project and I saw rooms with windows where there was literally no net or louvres at all. Thankfully, renovations have taken place.

 

Now, it would not be wise to leave it all to the school administration. They can only do so much. The ultimate responsibility for security lies with the students themselves. A great number of students sleep off with their laptops and phones kept carelessly as if intentionally inviting looters to cart away these items. Only the students can entirely ensure the safety of their possessions. Thieves can still devise ways to tear nets and open locks. The best medicine for this malady is to be cautious and devise ways to keep them away from your rooms.

 

Furthermore, as they say, vigilance is key. The next logical course of action is to heighten your sense of suspicion. Anyone you see wandering at late hours around quite rooms must be challenged. You should question him if need be. “A o le ti tori itiju ka lo karun,” the Yorubas say. In this context, it could be interpreted thus: one must not endanger oneself just to avoid confrontation. Such thieves lurk in the dark when they think no one is looking and they attack when we let our guards down. Therefore, it is every student’s duty to look out for others against strange fellows that draw one’s attention.

 

When we all work in tandem with various hall leaders to battle the demons of theft in hostels, there would be a considerable decrease in the sickening level of theft cases reported on a weekly basis.

 

  • Kanyinsola Olorunnisola

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