KWASU, Local Stakeholders Enforce Night Curfew in Malete to Combat Rising Robberies
By Omowumi Omotosho
The authorities of Kwara State University (KWASU) have teamed up with community leaders to enforce new restrictions aimed at improving safety in Malete, the university’s host town.
At a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, several tough measures were introduced. These include a 10 p.m. cutoff time for commercial motorcycle operations, a halt to all forms of business and movement by 11 p.m., and a midnight curfew on the use of generator sets. Social events such as night parties have also been suspended indefinitely.
The university-led meeting drew a wide array of participants including KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, Chairperson of Moro Local Government, Hajia Mariam Abdulwasiu, local traditional leaders, representatives from security agencies, student union executives, alumni, and councillors.
“We are committed to securing the lives of our students. These restrictions are not to punish anyone, but to restore calm and safety in Malete. Everyone must remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement promptly,” said Professor Jimoh.
A joint security task force made up of diverse stakeholders has been set up to oversee the implementation of the newly introduced safety measures and respond proactively to emerging security challenges. In addition, all private hostel owners are now required to employ security guards, while trained vigilante groups will be mobilized to reinforce the area’s current security setup.
Endorsing the university’s initiative, the Chairperson of Moro Local Government, Hajia Mariam Abdulwasiu, revealed that the council is initiating steps to pass a bylaw that will formally back the curfew across the entire Malete community.
“The security of our students and residents cannot be compromised. The council will hire 10 additional vigilantes and provide them with the necessary equipment. We are also donating a transformer to improve power supply and will install gates at strategic road entry points into Malete,” she stated.
