In a swift response to a disturbing surge in rape, robbery, and violent attacks on students of the Kwara State University (KWASU), the Kwara State Government has imposed movement restrictions and curfew across Malete community, home to the university’s main campus.
The decision was made on Monday, June 23, 2025, during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened by the university’s management and attended by critical players including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, local government leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, and student representatives.
Under the new security framework:
- Commercial motorcycles (okada) are banned from operating after 10pm daily.
- All commercial activities and movement in Malete must stop by 11pm.
- Generator use must cease by 12 midnight.
- Night parties and gatherings are prohibited until further notice.
According to Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, Acting Director of University Relations, the measures are part of broader efforts to combat the rising cases of armed robbery, sexual violence, and theft affecting students and residents.
“These measures are part of a broader initiative to restore safety in the university town, which has witnessed a disturbing rise in violent attacks on students and other residents in recent months,” Dr. Aliyu said.
The university also announced the formation of a joint security committee composed of representatives from KWASU, the Student Union, the Malete community, and law enforcement agencies.
Further decisions include:
- Mandatory private security hiring for all private hostels.
- Recruitment of professional vigilantes to support local security efforts.
- Construction of entry gates into the community to monitor night movements.
Hajia Mariam Abdulwasiu, Chairperson of the Moro Local Government Council, pledged immediate support. She revealed that the council will:
- Hire 10 new vigilantes equipped with modern security gadgets.
- Donate a new transformer to boost electricity in Malete.
- Enact a bylaw to formalize the restrictions.
In a humanitarian gesture, the council also donated ₦1 million to support victims of recent attacks.
“We have put deliberate and robust measures in place,” Abdulwasiu said, praising the university leadership for taking bold action.
KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jimoh, reiterated the university’s commitment to student safety:
“We will take every lawful measure to ensure that our students live in a secure and conducive environment,” he said, urging the public to report any suspicious movements.
The intervention comes after repeated complaints by students who said they had been living in fear due to increased off-campus attacks, particularly in Safari, West End, and other surrounding areas.
Reports indicate that armed gangs, including some suspected locals and okada riders, have been breaking into off-campus hostels, assaulting students, stealing valuables, and in some cases, raping female students.
Malete has faced worsening insecurity in recent years, largely due to population expansion, weak night-time policing, and limited security infrastructure. KWASU authorities have previously warned of the urgent need for stronger law enforcement in the area.
As of today, the new restrictions have taken immediate effect, with security patrols deployed, and residents advised to comply with all directives to prevent further escalation.
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