Suspected armed robbers attacked three student hostels around Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, in the early hours of Saturday, 28 March 2026, leaving several students injured and dispossessed of their valuables.
The coordinated attacks, which occurred between 2:00 am. and 4:00 am, affected Rosmat, Grace and Mercy hostels located in the off-campus areas around the university.
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Residents said the attackers, reportedly numbering between 20 and 30, operated in groups armed with guns and machetes, forcefully gaining entry into rooms.
At Rosmat Hostel, all 21 rooms were reportedly broken into between 3:00 am and 4:00 am. A 300-level Mechanical Engineering student, Ayomide, said he lost phones and laptops during the attack.
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“They came in with guns and machetes and took everything in sight,” he said.
Witnesses added that the attackers scaled the fence before opening the gate for others. During the incident, the hostel’s gatekeeper sustained a machete injury to the head.
At Grace Hostel, 18 rooms were affected after the attackers reportedly arrived around 2:00 a.m., breaking doors and windows while carting away valuables, particularly mobile phones.
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Two students sustained injuries, including cuts to the face and leg. A resident said the attackers “were calling names and asking for specific items,” adding that they spoke in Hausa Language.
At Mercy Hostel, residents said they were alerted to disturbances from nearby buildings and initially locked themselves indoors. However, the attackers later forced entry into the compound, stealing phones and other belongings. No injuries were recorded.
Across the affected hostels, visible signs of forced entry including broken doors, damaged windows and burglary-proof protections highlighted the level of violence involved.
Students alleged that security response to the incident was delayed, noting that although the robbery was reported shortly after 4:00 am., security personnel and police arrived hours later.
The incident, which occurred during an ongoing examination period, has disrupted academic activities and heightened fear among students, with many reportedly vacating their hostels over safety concerns.
Survey Reveals Heightened Fear, Demand for Stronger Security
A survey conducted among 77 respondents, largely students of the university, shows that the incident has significantly worsened perceptions of safety.
Findings indicate that 78.9 per cent of respondents reside in hostels around campus. While 47.4 per cent previously felt neutral about their safety and 31.6 per cent felt very unsafe, the situation has deteriorated, with 71.6 per cent now reporting that they feel unsafe.
On responsibility for student safety, 40.3 per cent of respondents attributed it to the university management, while 20.8 per cent said hostel management should be accountable.
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The data also suggests heightened vulnerability among certain groups, with 66.7 per cent of respondents identifying female students and students with disabilities as most at risk during such attacks.
Beyond material losses, the psychological toll is evident. About 60 per cent of respondents reported experiencing fear and anxiety, while 40 per cent said they have had difficulty sleeping since the incident.
In terms of solutions, 60 per cent of respondents recommended increased deployment of security personnel, improved lighting, and faster emergency response systems.
SUG Advisory Raises Further Questions
Following the incident, the Student Union Government (SUG) issued an emergency security advisory urging students to remain vigilant, avoid walking alone at night, prioritize their safety over property, and ensure residences are securely locked.
The union also provided emergency contact numbers for reporting suspicious activities. However, the contacts reportedly belong to student leaders within the union, raising concerns about the adequacy and professionalism of the response system in handling security emergencies.
Growing Concerns Over Student Safety
The incident has renewed concerns over the security of off-campus hostels around EKSU, particularly the apparent gaps in surveillance, emergency response, and coordination between students, hostel operators, and security agencies.
For many students, the attacks represent more than a one-night incident , they signal a deeper, unresolved safety challenge.
Without urgent and coordinated intervention from university authorities, hostel management, and security agencies, residents fear that such incidents may persist, leaving students to navigate an increasingly uncertain and unsafe living environment.
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