Students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, protested on Monday following an attack on one of the female hostels located outside the institution’s premises.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, with hoodlums stealing students’ phones and other valuables and allegedly raping one of the female students. The student, whose identity was withheld, was taken to a private hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo for treatment.
A student union official, who spoke anonymously, said it was the second attack 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 rapping her. She is now on admission at a private hospital located in the 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.
The official said the college has seven hostels, one for males and six for females, but all are located outside the school premises without adequate security.
The Provost, Dr Dorcas Dugule, acknowledged the report, saying, “I am on top of the issue. I will not speak; please give me time.”
The Taraba State Police spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the attack but said he was unaware of the rape allegation.
“Yes, such incident happened in the early hours of today. Some hostels were burgled, and phones were stolen. But I cannot confirm the rape allegation because I haven’t seen the victim,” he said, adding that officers were heading to the school.
