UNN assures students, staff of adequate security, dismisses

From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has assured the students, staff, and parents of adequate security on campus.

The institution also dismissed, as false and unsubstantiated, reports circulating on social media about an alleged impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of its students.

In a statement issued, yesterday, by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Inya Egwu, the institution said there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims contained in the viral social media post.

The statement disclosed that the university had adopted additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the Nsukka campus.

“The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka has become aware of a social media post currently circulating online, alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students on the Nsukka campus.

“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 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,” the statement disclosed.

The statement noted further that 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, adding that motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect as part of the new security measures.

“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.

“Members of the university community are urged to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear. Parents, guardians, students, staff, and members of the public are urged 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 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,” it said.

The university also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among students, staff and the general public.

“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”, it added.