A shocking and disturbing incident occurred on Sunday night at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, where a group of suspected herdsmen launched a brutal attack on students, leaving an unconfirmed number of individuals injured. The victims, mostly first-year students, were ambushed around 9 p.m. on Ifite Road, a route notorious for being isolated and poorly lit, making it a hotspot for security concerns.
According to eyewitness accounts, the students were on their way to a night study session inside the school when they were suddenly set upon by the attackers. One male student, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained severe injuries, including the loss of three fingers, while attempting to defend himself against the assailants. His twin sister, who was accompanying him, was also wounded during the attack.
The incident sent shockwaves across the university community, with students and staff alike expressing outrage and concern over the safety of students on campus. The alarm raised by the female victim reportedly attracted the attention of passersby, who intervened and rescued the injured student, rushing him to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, for emergency treatment.
University officials, including the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, and Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwura, paid a visit to the victims at the hospital, assuring them of the institution's commitment to ensuring their safety. The Acting Director of Information and Public Relations/Protocol, Louis Njelita, confirmed the incident, stating that the university's security unit had been notified and appropriate action taken to address the situation.
The attack has heightened concerns about student safety, particularly along the campus perimeter, where isolated routes and poorly lit areas create an environment conducive to criminal activity. Students and staff are calling for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future, including improved lighting, increased patrols, and enhanced emergency response systems.
The university administration has been urged to take immediate action to address the security concerns and ensure a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors. The incident has also sparked fears about the safety of students in higher institutions across the country, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between universities, law enforcement agencies, and communities to prevent such attacks.
