The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has moved to allay growing fears among students, staff and parents following the circulation of a social media message alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction on the institution’s Nsukka campus.
While dismissing the reports as false and unverified, the university announced a series of precautionary security measures, including the immediate suspension of motorcycle operations within the campus, to further safeguard members of the university community.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, the university clarified that security assessments conducted by relevant authorities had not uncovered any credible intelligence to support the alarming claims being circulated online.
“The University wishes to state that there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat to the University of Nigeria that supports the claims contained in the post,” the statement read.
“The information being circulated is therefore unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual,” it added.
The university, however, noted that despite the absence of any confirmed threat, it considered the safety of students and staff a top priority and had therefore introduced additional measures aimed at strengthening campus security and preventing any potential security breaches.
According to the statement, security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been strategically deployed to key entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s internal security personnel.
“These measures include the deployment of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points to complement the efforts of the University Security Unit,” the university stated.
Management further disclosed that some access gates leading into the Nsukka campus would be temporarily closed to enhance surveillance and improve the regulation of movement within the university environment.
In what appears to be one of the institution’s most significant security directives in recent times, the university announced an outright ban on motorcycle operations within the campus premises.
“Consequently, no motorcycle will be permitted beyond the University gates except those belonging to authorised security personnel,” the statement said.
The university advised members of staff who commute using motorcycles to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their respective offices.
The institution also appealed to students, parents, guardians and members of the public not to spread unverified information capable of generating panic, fear and unnecessary disruption of academic activities.
Management urged the university community to remain calm and continue with their normal academic and administrative responsibilities without apprehension.
While reassuring stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining a secure environment conducive for teaching, learning and research, the university encouraged students and staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the institution’s security unit or relevant law enforcement agencies.
It stressed that ensuring safety on campus remains a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation and active participation of all stakeholders.
The institution further cautioned against relying on anonymous social media accounts and sensational online messages, noting that such reports often create avoidable anxiety within educational communities.
For many parents and students already concerned about rising insecurity in parts of the country, the university’s swift response and enhanced security measures may provide some reassurance that proactive steps are being taken to preserve peace and stability on campus.
