Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, on Monday took to the streets to protest growing insecurity around their hostels after hoodlums reportedly invaded a female hostel, raped a student and injured her.
The latest attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was reportedly the second raid on students’ accommodation within two weeks, raising fresh concerns over the safety of students living in hostels located outside the college premises.
According to a students’ union official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attackers invaded the 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, including the cutting of 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 students’ anger was heightened by claims that the authorities had been warned after a similar attack the previous week.
The students’ union official said the students had reported the earlier incident to the college authorities, prompting a visit by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, who reportedly promised improved security.
However, the official alleged that no significant security measures were subsequently put in place.
Following Monday’s attack, hundreds of students gathered at the college gate, demanding urgent intervention from the Taraba State Government and security agencies.
The students also questioned why they were still being accommodated outside the college premises despite the reported completion of hostel facilities within the institution.
According to the students’ representative, the college has seven hostels comprising one male hostel and six female hostels, but students remain exposed because the accommodation is located outside the main campus and lacks adequate security.
The latest incident came only days after 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 phones and a cutlass were reportedly recovered at the scene.
Following the earlier incident, the ministry recommended urgent security measures around the hostels, intensified investigation and the relocation of students to safer accommodation.
It also recommended the completion and commissioning of the college’s new hostel facilities.
The Provost of the college, Dr Dorcas Dugule, confirmed that she was handling the matter when contacted but declined to provide further details.
“I am on top of the issue. I will not speak; please give me time,” she said.