Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, on Monday protested growing insecurity around their hostels following an alleged overnight attack in which a female student was reportedly raped and injured.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was said to be the second attack on students’ accommodation within two weeks, prompting renewed concerns over the safety of students living outside the college premises.
A students’ union official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said hoodlums invaded a female hostel, stole mobile phones and other valuables and allegedly raped one of the students.
The official further alleged that the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack, including an injury to one of her fingers. She was subsequently taken to a hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo for treatment.
“Yesterday night, the hoodlums came in their numbers and attacked one of the female students’ hostels. They raped one of the students and also carted away phones belonging to the students and other valuables,” the official said.
The latest incident reportedly angered the students, particularly because a similar attack had occurred the previous week and was allegedly reported to the college authorities.
According to the students’ representative, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education had visited the institution following the earlier incident and promised improved security around the hostels.
The official, however, alleged that no significant security measures were implemented afterward.
Following Monday’s attack, hundreds of students gathered at the college gate, calling on the Taraba State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene.
The protesters also questioned why students were still being accommodated outside the college premises despite the reported completion of new hostel facilities within the institution.
The students’ representative said the college has seven hostels—one for male students and six for female students—but alleged that the location of the accommodation outside the main campus had left students vulnerable to attacks.Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, on Monday protested growing insecurity around their hostels following an alleged overnight attack in which a female student was reportedly raped and injured.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was said to be the second attack on students’ accommodation within two weeks, prompting renewed concerns over the safety of students living outside the college premises.
A students’ union official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said hoodlums invaded a female hostel, stole mobile phones and other valuables and allegedly raped one of the students.
The official further alleged that the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack, including an injury to one of her fingers. She was subsequently taken to a hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo for treatment.
“Yesterday night, the hoodlums came in their numbers and attacked one of the female students’ hostels. They raped one of the students and also carted away phones belonging to the students and other valuables,” the official said.
The latest incident reportedly angered the students, particularly because a similar attack had occurred the previous week and was allegedly reported to the college authorities.
According to the students’ representative, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education had visited the institution following the earlier incident and promised improved security around the hostels.
The official, however, alleged that no significant security measures were implemented afterwards.
Following Monday’s attack, hundreds of students gathered at the college gate, calling on the Taraba State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene.
The protesters also questioned why students were still being accommodated outside the college premises despite the reported completion of new hostel facilities within the institution.
The students’ representative said the college has seven hostels—one for male students and six for female students—but alleged that the location of the accommodation outside the main campus had left students vulnerable to attacks.
The latest incident came days after officials of the Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education visited the institution following an earlier robbery attack on students’ hostels.
The ministry had reported that armed men invaded the hostels, stole 33 mobile phones and assaulted some students. Three mobile phones and a cutlass were reportedly recovered at the scene.
Following the earlier attack, the ministry recommended urgent security measures around the hostels, intensified investigation into the incident and the relocation of students to safer accommodation.
It also recommended the completion and commissioning of the college’s new hostel facilities.
Contacted on Monday, the Provost of the college, Dr Dorcas Dugule, confirmed that she was handling the matter but declined to provide further details.
“I am on top of the issue. I will not speak; please give me time,” she said.
The latest incident came days after officials of the Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education visited the institution following an earlier robbery attack on students’ hostels.
The ministry had reported that armed men invaded the hostels, stole 33 mobile phones and assaulted some students. Three mobile phones and a cutlass were reportedly recovered at the scene.
Following the earlier attack, the ministry recommended urgent security measures around the hostels, intensified investigation into the incident and the relocation of students to safer accommodation.
It also recommended the completion and commissioning of the college’s new hostel facilities.
Contacted on Monday, the Provost of the college, Dr Dorcas Dugule, confirmed that she was handling the matter but declined to provide further details.
“I am on top of the issue. I will not speak; please give me time,” she said.
