Panic erupted late Monday night as gunmen reportedly attacked hostels housing students of Ekiti State University (EKSU) in Ado-Ekiti, forcing many to flee for safety. Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved from hostel to hostel, robbing students of valuables including mobile phones, laptops, and cash.
A student of the institution, @yapperaholicc on X (formerly Twitter), described the attack as a recurring incident in the Phase 2 area of the university community. In posts made around 3:01 a.m., the student expressed frustration, noting the assaults had been ongoing for three days and disrupted exam preparations.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident. Public Relations Officer Abutu Sunday said a suspect had been arrested and investigations were ongoing, while measures were being implemented to prevent further attacks. No fatalities have been reported so far.
The attack has reignited concerns over security in and around tertiary institutions in Nigeria, especially off-campus hostels where students are often vulnerable due to inadequate security infrastructure. Similar incidents of robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks have been reported across university communities in recent years.
Students have urged the state government and security agencies to increase patrols and provide adequate protection in areas surrounding EKSU. The incident highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures to safeguard students in off-campus accommodation.