The Taraba State Police Command has pledged to deploy additional security personnel to student hostels and other vulnerable areas following a recent attack on female hostels at the College of Nursing Sciences and the state-owned university in Jalingo. This assurance was given by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Didango Shehu, on Monday. The police are investigating the incident and have confirmed that one female student was allegedly raped during the attack.
According to DCP Shehu, the Command received a report of the invasion where suspected hoodlums attacked female hostels located outside the main campuses of the institutions and dispossessed students of their belongings. The police have commenced an investigation to arrest the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate deployment of more patrol teams to the affected community and other student-dominated areas to prevent further occurrences.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when suspected hoodlums invaded the hostel while students were asleep and attacked occupants. The attackers dispossessed several students of their mobile phones, money, and other personal belongings, with one female student allegedly raped during the invasion. This has sparked tension among students, leading to a peaceful protest on Monday morning.
Hundreds of students took to the streets to demand improved security, stating that the protest was not only about Monday's incident but also about the general insecurity faced by those living outside the institution's premises in private hostels. Students who cannot secure accommodation within the school campus are forced to live in isolated areas where they are vulnerable to criminal attacks.
The Deputy Provost of the institution, Mr. Khikando Agyo Yavini, speaking on behalf of the Provost, Dr. Mrs. Dorcas S. Dugule, said management is collaborating with security agencies to address the situation. He assured that management is on top of the matter and is working to prevent further occurrences, while appealing to students to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations.
The police have assured students and the general public that they would not relent in their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property in the state. The deployment of more patrol teams is expected to forestall further attacks and provide a sense of security for students and residents.
The incident has highlighted the need for improved security measures in the area, particularly for students living in private hostels outside the institution's premises. The police and school management have urged students to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, while assuring them of their safety and security.
Key points
- The Taraba State Police Command will deploy more security personnel to student hostels and other vulnerable areas.
- One female student was allegedly raped during the attack by suspected hoodlums.
- Students have demanded improved security due to the general insecurity faced by those living outside the institution's premises.
