Kwara Government Imposes Curfew in Malete Community Over Surge in Crime Targeting KWASU Students

The Kwara State government has enforced new restrictions on movement and activities in the Malete community, following a troubling increase in cases of rape, armed robbery, and violent attacks against students of Kwara State University (KWASU) and local residents.

This decision was reached during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, June 23, 2025, convened by the university’s management. Attendees included KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh; Chairperson of Moro Local Government, Hajia Mariam Abdulwasiu; traditional rulers; councillors; security officials; student representatives; and members of the alumni association.

As part of the new security measures:

• Commercial motorcycle (okada) operations are banned from 10 p.m. daily.

• All commercial activities and public movement must stop by 11 p.m.

• The use of generator sets is prohibited after midnight.

• All night parties are suspended until further notice.

In a statement released after the meeting, Acting Director of University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, explained that the new measures aim to restore peace and security in Malete, which has experienced a disturbing surge in criminal activities in recent months.

A joint security committee has also been formed, comprising representatives from KWASU management, the student union, Malete community, and security agencies. Additionally, all private hostels in the area are now mandated to hire private security guards, while professional vigilantes will be recruited to support existing security operations.

Professor Jimoh emphasized that ensuring the safety of students and residents is a top priority for the university. He urged the community to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity.

Hajia Abdulwasiu praised KWASU’s leadership for taking decisive action. She announced plans to introduce a bylaw to formalize the newly agreed restrictions. To further reinforce security, the local council will recruit 10 additional vigilantes and equip them with necessary security tools. She also revealed that a new transformer would be donated to improve electricity supply, and security gates would be installed at key entry points into the town.

In support of recent victims of attacks, the council has donated ₦1 million towards their recovery and rehabilitation.

The new security guidelines take immediate effect, as authorities and local stakeholders work to curb the rising tide of violence affecting the student-dominated community.

Malete, which hosts the main campus of KWASU, has been facing escalating security challenges due to increasing population and inadequate law enforcement presence, particularly at night. Both university officials and community leaders have repeatedly called for urgent intervention.

Earlier, NIGERIA NEWS 247 had reported that students raised alarm over a fresh wave of armed robberies at off-campus hostels in areas such as Safari and West End. Victims described incidents involving theft, physical assault, and cases of rape, allegedly perpetrated by local youths and commercial motorcyclists operating in the area.