Palpable fear and anxiety gripped the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) community following a viral social media warning alleging an impending mass abduction by Islamic terrorists and bandits.
The anonymous post, which claimed the “Jihadists” had already infiltrated Nsukka disguised as commercial motorcyclists, warned that the institution was the primary target.
According to the syndicate behind the post, the attackers plan to penetrate the campus through the busy Obukpa axis in the coming weeks to execute “the biggest invasion in the history of the region.”
To validate its claims, the anonymous group provided a highly detailed description of the campus surroundings, noting ongoing construction at the main gate, a recently tarred road at the second gate, and nearby landmarks including banks, a shopping mall, an eye clinic, and a large drainage system.
“The authorities of this institution are hereby advised to immediately sway into action as delay may be fatal,” the post warned, urging the public to share the information massively.
In a swift reaction to prevent panic and secure the campus, the management of the University of Nigeria issued an official press release signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu.
While acknowledging the viral post, the university management stated firmly that “there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat to the University of Nigeria that supports the claims contained in the post.”
Dismissing the rumors as unsubstantiated, the institution urged the public not to spread messages “designed to generate fear and uncertainty.”
Despite declaring the threat unverified, the university authorities refused to take chances, immediately rolling out stringent, proactive security measures to safeguard lives and property.
In a direct bid to counter any potential infiltration, the university has deployed personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army to reinforce the school’s internal security unit at all key entry points.
Furthermore, some access gates have been temporarily shut to better regulate and monitor the movement of people and vehicles in and out of the campus.
As part of the emergency security overhaul, the university has also placed an immediate ban on all motorcycle operations within the campus.
Except for authorized security personnel, no motorcycles are allowed past the university gates, forcing staff who commute on motorbikes to park at designated areas outside the school perimeter.
Reassuring the public of their safety, the university management urged students, staff, and parents to remain calm and go about their normal academic activities.
Emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility, the statement concluded: “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.”
