Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, on Monday staged a peaceful protest following an alleged overnight invasion of a female hostel located outside the institution’s premises.
The protest, which drew a large number of students, was reportedly triggered by concerns over the safety of students living in hostels outside the college campus.
The students called for urgent security measures around the affected hostels, saying adequate protection was needed to prevent further attacks on students and other residents in the area.
According to sources, suspected hoodlums reportedly invaded the hostel in the early hours of Monday and allegedly attacked students who were inside the facility.
The assailants were said to have dispossessed several students of their mobile phones and other personal valuables during the operation.
Sources further alleged that a female student was sexually assaulted during the attack.
The victim was also reportedly subjected to severe physical violence, with sources alleging that one of her fingers was cut off by the attackers.
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The circumstances surrounding the reported injury could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Following the attack, the injured student was reportedly taken to GSCN Hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo, where she was receiving medical attention.
News of the incident reportedly generated anger and anxiety among students of the institution, particularly those who reside in privately operated hostels outside the college premises.
The students subsequently gathered to protest, calling on the authorities to take immediate steps to strengthen security around their residences.
During the protest, the students reportedly demanded greater protection for students living outside the institution, as well as a thorough investigation into the alleged attack.
They also called on security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
The students expressed concern that inadequate security around some of the off-campus hostels could expose them to attacks, particularly during the night.
The latest incident has also renewed calls for stronger collaboration between the college management, security agencies, hostel operators and the surrounding communities to improve surveillance and security around areas occupied by students.
Students urged the relevant authorities to treat the matter with urgency and put preventive measures in place to avoid a recurrence.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Taraba State Police Command confirming the alleged robbery, sexual assault or injury.
The management of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences had also not publicly issued a statement on the incident.
The allegations, including the reported sexual assault and mutilation of the student, therefore remain subject to official investigation and confirmation by the relevant authorities.
