AWKA: Tension erupted on Sunday evening at the Ezekwe Female Hostel of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, after students discovered a man suspected to be a Fulani herdsman inside the restricted hostel area.
Reporte gathered that female students quickly apprehended the man before the school’s security personnel intervened, sparking widespread panic on campus.
Although the man’s motive has not been established, his presence inside the female hostel has heightened fears among students already anxious over rising insecurity nationwide.
A resident student, Chiago Stephanie, described the incident as disturbing, questioning how an unidentified male gained access to the locked female hostel.
As we speak, tension is high in UNIZIK. How did a Fulani herdsman enter our female hostel? They are now claiming he is mentally challenged, but how did he get in if there was no intention? she said.
Students said the man began acting unstable after being confronted.
A university official, who confirmed the incident but declined to be named, dismissed reports of an invasion, clarifying that the man neither forced entry nor attacked anyone.
There’s nothing like an invasion by a Fulani herdsman, the official said. An unidentified person was seen near the hostel and was apprehended by the safety department. During questioning, he appeared mentally imbalanced.
He said the alarm was triggered by Nigeria’s fragile security climate, noting that no weapon or dangerous object was found on the suspect.
Students, however, remain uneasy and have demanded stricter security measures around hostels.
Efforts to reach the university’s Public Relations Officer, Njelita Louis, were unsuccessful.
He earlier said the management would release an official statement and outline new security steps, but none had been issued at press time.
