Fear and anxiety have gripped students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, following an alleged overnight attack on a female hostel located outside the institution’s premises.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 21, when suspected hoodlums allegedly invaded the hostel while students were asleep and stole mobile phones and other valuables.
According to reports from multiple local media outlets, a female student was allegedly sexually assaulted during the attack and suffered injuries, including the reported loss of a finger. She was subsequently taken to a hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo for treatment.
A students’ union official, who spoke anonymously, said the latest incident was the second reported attack on students’ hostels within two weeks.
The official alleged that students had previously complained about security concerns after another attack, following which the Commissioner for Tertiary Education reportedly visited the college and promised improved security.
“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,” the official said.
The students’ union official further alleged that the attackers cut one of the victim’s fingers after the sexual assault.
Following the incident, hundreds of students staged a peaceful protest at the college gate, demanding urgent intervention from the Taraba State Government and security agencies.
The students also questioned why they continued to live in accommodation outside the college premises despite the availability of newly constructed hostel facilities within the institution.
The union official said the college has seven hostels, comprising one male hostel and six female hostels, but claimed that students remained exposed because of inadequate security around some accommodation facilities outside the main premises.
The latest incident follows a reported robbery at the college’s hostels on September 17, which prompted officials from the Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education to visit the institution.
According to a report by the ministry, armed men invaded the hostels, stole 33 mobile phones and assaulted several students. About 20 students were reportedly beaten, while one male student sustained serious injuries. Three phones and a cutlass were recovered at the scene.
The ministry subsequently recommended stronger security around the hostels, intensified investigation and the relocation of students to safer accommodation.
The college also reportedly told the ministry that the three rented hostels currently occupied by students had been sold and that the institution had received a notice to vacate them by November 2026.
The ministry therefore recommended urgent action to secure alternative accommodation and the completion and commissioning of the college’s new hostel facilities.
The Provost of the college, Dr Dorcas Dugule, confirmed to reporters that she was handling the latest matter but declined to provide further details at the time.
“I am on top of the issue. I will not speak; please give me time,” she said.
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