By Abdulrasaq Kamaldeen
In a twist of fate, Suliat Ayomide, a 300-level Biochemistry student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), felt a surge of relief wash over her. The long hours of studying, and the nerve-wracking moments in the exam hall—all culminated in the critical moment of liberation.
However, amidst the jubilation of completing her exams, a stark reality loomed large in Suliat’s mind, one that overshadowed her momentary elation.
But she quickly identified a sanctuary she deemed the safest within Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto–- the Offa shop, owned by the Offa Students Union (OSU). With a mixture of relief and joy, Suliyat swiftly entrusted her belongings to the protective confines of the Offa shop—-finding solace in its reputation for security and safety.
Her trust, however, waned when she discovered that the shop had been burgled by unknown individuals. Upon arriving at the school, she felt dismayed upon realizing that some of her belongings were missing.
“I must say I felt bad when I realized my bed was no longer there. This is my first attempt of keeping my luggage at the offa shop, and I seriously regret it, especially since I was told the association did not hire any security to secure the place.”
“They should have made it clear that all luggage is at the owner’s risk so everyone can prepare for the worst. I have no other bed to use, and many people have complained bitterly.”
In an interview with The News Digest Press, Atitebi Aminat Abiodun, a 200-level student from the faculty of Management Science and victim, expressed her distress after losing her belongings to burglars.
Her words: “I felt bad and it was painful when I realized my property was carted away. I have never experienced such in my life. Those properties are a necessity to me, but if there is life there is hope.”
Another victim, Aleshinloye Rofiat, a 400-level Applied Chemistry student expressed deep sadness regarding the situation. She shared, “I was devastated when my bed was stolen; it’s an experience I’ve never faced before. Sleeping without it seems impossible; I had to rely on a friend’s hospitality as I don’t have a bed to sleep on.”
Coping with Unexpected Setback
Abdullateef Abdullahi (Asaliy), a 400-level Education Biology student, experienced profound sadness and shock upon discovering that his belongings, which he had kept in the shop, had been stolen. This unfortunate incident left him feeling unfulfilled.
According to him, this wasn’t his initial time storing his belongings at the Offa shop, and he had never encountered such issues there before.
“It was shocking to me! I never anticipated such an event, especially since I always trusted the shop to keep my belongings safe. Unfortunately, this is the first time of experienced this in the shop because my properties had always been kept in the there saved
“When I returned to retrieve my belongings, I was devastated to discover that a whole bag was missing. This bag held four pairs of shoes, a pair of slides, over 25 various books (including Arabic ones), and eight press jackets from The News Digest Press, which were attached to my watch.”
Burglary Trends Among UDUS Students—Survey Reveals Total Percentages
A recent survey conducted by The News Digest Press has shed light on the prevalence of room burglaries among students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).
The survey which covered both privately owned hostels and school hostels, revealed alarming statistics regarding burglary incidents since 2020.
Statistically, a significant 65.1% of male students and 34.9% of female students have reported experiencing room burglaries.
Yearly breakdown, the survey analyzed the yearly trends in burglary incidents. In 2023, the highest percentage of burglaries was recorded at 39.3%. The years 2021 and 2022 shared the second-highest percentage at 21.4% each—-indicating a persistent issue over the past five years.
Meanwhile, as of 2024, in the survey conducted, no data has been reported regarding burglary incidents in either privately owned or school hostels. This absence of information raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures or the reporting mechanisms in place.
Emotional Response: Embarrassment, Pain
While speaking with Jimoh Sherifdeen (peacemaker), a 300- level Business administration student and OSU welfare director who secured the key to the shop, he noted that this carries a visible weight of sadness on his head due to the impact it has on his ability and the trust people have in him.
He said, “ This is the first time such an incident has occurred during our tenure, and it’s disheartening.
“Even though some of our executives act as watchdogs regularly, it’s challenging for them to be vigilant 24/7, especially considering the burglary happened at night,” he lamented.
He added that he feels embarrassed, pained, and ashamed because it may seem like we are incapable of fulfilling our promise to secure people’s properties.”
The Union Will Provide Some Cash for Those Suffer Most—President Assures
Jimoh Kamaldeen Opeyemi, a 400-level student of Common and Islamic law and the Offa Students Union president, voiced his dismay over the following incident.
Kamalden revealed, highlighting the recurring security faced by the shop, stating that “ this is not the first time the shop has been burgled but the second time”.
According to him, he had approached the school security before leaving the school so as for them to render help to ensure the safety of the shop.
“I was shocked when I heard the news and felt depressed, distressed, and unhappy. The Union has in its utmost capacity provided some cash(a reasonable amount of money)to those who suffered much in the burglary. The union can’t provide for all the affected victims.”
Speaking further, he urged people who are taking properties that do not belong to them to refrain from doing such.