As part of ongoing efforts to make Agbowo and other communities surrounding the University of Ibadan secure for students, representatives of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union met with the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko on Monday.
Representatives of the union were led to the meeting by the institution’s Chief Security Officer, Victor Fadeyibi and the Students’ Union President, Adewole Adeyinka (Mascot).
Speaking during the meeting, which was held at the Eleyele Command of the Police Force, the SU President presented multiple recommendations on how to put an end to the incessant spate of robbery attacks in the communities surrounding the University.
“There should be a dedicated emergency mobile number for students facing security challenges and threats in student communities,” Adeyinka began.
He also called for the location of a mini post station and standby patrol vehicle at Agbowo. This, according to him will ensure that officers of the Police Force are on ground for swift and prompt responses to distress calls.
“In conjunction with Western Nigerian Security Network, Amotekun, the Police Force should lead a joint security effort in student-based areas because
Amotekun officers have native intelligence about the terrain and are more familiar with the environment. This would also make it easier to coordinate with members of the Nigeria Vigilante Group,” he added.
Meanwhile, in his own presentation, the institution’s CSO noted that Agbowo is not only insecure but also a breeding centre for criminals. “Ile Eja axis of Agbowo is an incubation centre for crisis,” he said.
He noted that majority of the houses in Agbowo are managed by caretakers who are only interested in the rent they collect and this has to change because for any meaningful progress to be made regarding insecurity, these caretakers must begin to work with landlords and security agencies.
“It is not only Agbowo; we also have them in Barika, Water down to Orogun. There is relative peace within the institution, the problem is with those off campus.
“What the University intends to do is to start accrediting private hostels to identify what they have for students. So that students who now live in unaccredited places are on their own.”
He explained further that there are several joints in Agbowo but there is nothing the school’s internal security mechanism can do because they don’t have the mandate to go into Agbowo.
“A joint operation between the Police and NDLEA would go a long way in addressing these issues,” he added.
In her response, the Police Commissioner noted that the mini security summit is a step in the right direction towards ensuring the security of lives and properties in student communities in the state is guaranteed.
She announced that with immediate effect, the demand for an emergency mobile number dedicated to students areas has been granted. “We are going to have desk officers dedicated for students alone,” the CP stated.
She however warned that the introduction of this desks does not give students the right to insult police officers because “if you do so, I will withdraw them.”
“At times, we feel being students give us the power or strength to go beyond the law of the nation.”
Speaking further, she noted students also have a role to play in the fight against insecurity in their respective communities.
“What are you doing to secure yourself? If we see policemen out there, you’ll say they are collecting money from you and searching you. Most of the youths have no respect for anyone again. You see Police officers as your foot stools and forget that tomorrow you will be on this side.”
“You people should calm down and let us tell each other the whole truth. If you are stopped, provide whatever you are told to and stop behaving like being a student is the apex of life. If you want us to secure the place, you need to help us in securing you.”
The CP also announced that an earlier demand for speedbreakers at the school gate has been approved to reduce the rate of accidents along the axis.
“I have told the state traffic officers, we are going to put speedbreakers at the school gate. We are also going to push back all those street traders.
“We would also look into the possibility of having a park so that motorists would no longer park in front of the school’s main gate,” she added.
Other Police officers in the meeting include a Deputy Commissioner of Police, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chief Supritendents and Divisional Police Officers.
Others are the Special Adviser on Security Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, Fatai Owoseni and Special Adviser on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede
The UI delegation include members of the SU Executive Council, Representatives of the SU SRC, Chairman of the the SRC Security Committee and representatives of the Union of Campus Journalists.
