The University of Ibadan (UI) management has dismissed reports of a robbery attack at Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence, clarifying that the incident was a lone stealing attack and not an armed robbery.
On Saturday, some intruders entered the female hall, removed bathroom light bulbs, and stole mobile phones belonging to students. Some students claimed that one of the intruders was armed, raising concerns about security on campus.
However, in a statement signed by the University Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, the management downplayed the incident, insisting it was a case of petty theft.
“The management of the University of Ibadan has read with dismay the news about a lone stealing attack in one of the halls of residence of the university. It was a lone thief who entered two rooms in the hall and stole the mobile phones of the students. The rooms were inadvertently left open by the students themselves,” the statement read.
Saliu further confirmed that the police had been alerted, and investigations were ongoing to track down the culprit.
He also criticized reports labeling the incident as a robbery, describing them as misleading and aimed at embarrassing the university.
“Management states that it was not a case of armed robbery as being touted by misguided newshounds bent on embarrassing the university. No students were harmed or traumatized, and we assure the public of the safety of lives and property on campus,” he added.
The incident has sparked debates among students, with some raising concerns over campus security and the need for stricter measures to prevent future occurrences.
