Students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, took to the streets on Monday to protest an alleged attack on a female hostel outside the institution, during which a student was reportedly raped and injured.
The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, was allegedly assaulted by unknown hoodlums who invaded one of the students’ hostels in the early hours of Monday. She was reportedly raped and had one of her fingers cut off during the attack.
She was subsequently taken to a private hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo, where she was receiving medical treatment.
The attackers were also said to have stolen mobile phones and other valuables belonging to the students.
An unnamed student union official, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the incident, said the latest attack was the second reported assault on the students’ hostels within two weeks.
“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.
They also cut one of the fingers of the student after raping her. She is now on admission at a private hospital located at Mile 6 area in Jalingo.
“When the first attack happened last week, we complained to the school authorities and the Commissioner of Tertiary Education visited the college and promised that security measures would be put in place in all the hostels, but nothing was done,” he said.
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The official raised concerns over the security situation, noting that although the college has seven hostels, students reside in facilities located outside the school premises.
“We have seven hostels, one for males and six for females, but students are all located outside the premises of the college, and there is no adequate security, which exposes us, the students, to danger,” he stated.
He said the lack of adequate security had continued to expose students to attacks.
The Provost of the college, Dr Dorcas Dugule, confirmed that she was aware of the incident when contacted by Daily Trust, but declined to provide details.
“I am on top of the issue. I will not speak; please give me time,” she said.
The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, also confirmed that an attack occurred but said he had not received confirmation of the alleged rape.
“Yes, Such incident happened in the early hours of today. Some hostels were burgled and phones were stolen. But I cannot confrim the rape allegation because I haven’t seen the victim,” he said.
Mshelizah said police officers were on their way to the institution to investigate the incident.
“we are heading down to the school now,” he added, promising that further information would be made available as the investigation progressed.