UNN dismisses rumors of terror attack on campus

The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has rejected reports about a possible terrorist attack and mass abduction of students at the university.

The UNN spokesperson, Agha Inya, shared this information in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday.

A report that came out online last week suggested that terrorists were planning a serious attack on the Nsukka campus and intended to kidnap several students.

Mr Inya stated that there is "no credible security intelligence or verified threat" to support the claims made in the report.

"The information being circulated is therefore unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual," he said.

Despite the rumors, the university management has decided to take extra security measures to make the campus safer.

"These measures include the deployment of personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points to help the University Security Unit," he said.

Additionally, some access gates to the Nsukka campus will be closed temporarily to better manage movement in and out of the university.

Mr Inya also announced a ban on motorcycle operations on campus to prevent any possible entry of terrorists into the school.

"Management also wishes to inform members of the university community that, with immediate effect, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended.

"Consequently, no motorcycle will be permitted beyond the university gates except those belonging to authorized security personnel," he said.

"Staff who commute to work on motorcycles are advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus perimeter before proceeding to their offices."

Mr Inya reassured students and staff that their safety is a priority despite the rumors of an attack.

He encouraged UNN students and staff to stay calm and go about their normal activities without fear.

The spokesperson also urged parents, guardians, students, and staff members to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause anxiety or panic.

"While there is no known threat to the university, we encourage members of the university community to be vigilant and security-conscious.

"Any suspicious person, movement, or activity should be promptly reported to the University Security Department or the nearest security agency," he said.

"Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of all staff, students, and other stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known."

There had been previous rumors about a planned terror attack on a university in Enugu State.

Last December, there was a video report suggesting that some armed "Fulani bandits" had set up camp near Maduka University in Enugu State, from where they carried out attacks.

The report, which the university has since debunked, claimed the bandits had set up about 38 camps around the privately owned school.