The recent increase in theft and other social vices on campus has brought to the fore the issue of insecurity on campus. It is quite pathetic that people no longer sleep with their two eyes closed, students no longer feel secure even in their rooms.
The past months were indeed sad for Mellanby and Tedder Hall, as several laptops and phones were stolen, some residents of these halls lost their valuable items to faceless individuals, and these innocent folks thought the Halls were as safe as of yore, when they decided to leave their laptops in their respective rooms. But they were wrong, as before they could say Jack; their gadgets had disappeared into the thin air. As at press time, none of these laptops have been found indicating that those who carried out the dastardly act have succeeded.
There have been some other unreported cases of theft in the halls, whose victims probably might have felt there was no need reporting them, since other reported ones have not been adequately addressed. From findings, it was discovered that this menace is not peculiar to Tedder and Mellanby Halls, other Halls of residence,
Faculties and some other places of worship have equally become targets of this shameless kleptomania.
It is imperative therefore, to get to the root of this ugly trend. The nagging question is: what could have gone wrong in the security arrangement of the university?
From every indication, Security in UI has been relaxed. There are strange movements and gatherings almost in every corner of the campus. The security eagle eyes have gone to slumber. From the main gates to the porters’ lodges, the situation is the same.
No more serious scrutiny of persons coming in and out of the Halls. In the past, almost every property brought into the school or halls were usually registered, so that when taking them away, the true ownership could be verified. Such checks have now gone with the wind. It is common to see people leaving the halls or the school main gate with huge properties un-intercepted by the security personnel and potters.
It is however time the management began to address this anomaly. Those who come into the halls must be adequately checked. Also, those who leave the hall with huge properties must be made to clear themselves with the porters. Members of the Halls must also wake up to their security watch.
