Nick Udenta
The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has dismissed the rumour that the Nsukka campus of the university was attacked by terrorists and assured staff, students and parents of adequate security on campus.
Everydaynews.com reported that the university management described the rumour circulating on social media about an alleged impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students as false and unsubstantiated.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, the institution said there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims contained in the viral social media post.
The university, however, disclosed that it had adopted additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the Nsukka campus.
According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s security unit.
Management also announced the temporary closure of some access gates to the campus to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the university.
As part of the new security measures, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect. Only motorcycles belonging to authorised security personnel will be allowed beyond the university gates.
Staff members who use motorcycles for transportation have been advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their offices.
The university urged members of the academic community to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear, stressing that there was no known security threat to the institution.
It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among students, staff and the general public.
While reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning and research, the management encouraged students and staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the University Security Department or relevant security agencies.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of all staff, students and stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known,” the statement said.
The university further advised the public to treat anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages with caution, particularly those containing sensational claims intended to generate fear and uncertainty.
