There are growing concerns in Enugu state over a viral social media statement announcing a planned attack that could lead to the kidnap of students at the main campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN) by an alleged Islamic terror bandits.
The statement, which surfaced on the Facebook over the weekend titled, “Anonymous syndicate”, had disclosed that the UNN was being discussed by Jihadists, who have entered Nsukka community disguised as motorbike transporters inorder to scout the town for possible attacks.
“The institution UNN is the target. In the coming weeks, the UNN institution would be attǎcked and students would be taken away (K-Napped). They plan to penetrate through a place with name Obokpar, a place we see as close to the institution and a busy section of that institution.
“The authorities of this institution is hereby advised to immediately sway into action as delay may be fatal. Incase you may want to doubt, let us give a perfect description of the Institution with name UNN. As we speak, the gate which leads to the institution is undergoing construction, there are two gates leading to the institution, the other is not under construction but the road out of that very gate was recently tared. Leading to the gate under construction, is a road with demarcation in between, banks to the left, a big eatery, to the right is a shopping mall, tall buildings, a big Gutter and indeed an Eye clinic we see.
“If you doubt this exposition ? You would witnesses the biggest invasion in the history of the region. Share this post massively to alert everyone in that region. Always remember, you saw it here first.
“We shall remain Anonymous Syndicate”, the statement concluded.
The development has continued to be circulated and discussed by residents around the state. Some Churches on Sunday declared “prayer and fasting for security and peace” at the University.
Reacting to the development, the University Management said there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat to the Institution that supports the claims contained in the post, stressing that information being circulated “is therefore unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual”.
“Nevertheless, in line with its commitment to the safety and security of staff, students and visitors, the University has taken additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security on campus. These measures include the deployment of personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points to complement the efforts of the University Security Unit.
“In addition, some access gates to the Nsukka campus will be temporarily closed to enhance the monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the University.
“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 authorised security personnel. Staff who commute to work on motorcycles are advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus perimeter before proceeding to their offices”, the School said in a statement by it’s Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu.
Egwu advised members of the University Community to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
He also urged parents, guardians, students, staff and members of the public not to spread unverified information capable of creating unnecessary anxiety, panic or disruption.
“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.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperations of all staff, students and other stakeholders are essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known.
“Anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages should be treated with caution, particularly when they contain sensational claims designed to generate fear and uncertainty.
“The Management of the University of Nigeria is committed to providing a safe, secure and conducive environment for academic activities”, Egwu added.
