Students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in Niger State, have blocked the institution's main gate and locked out the Vice Chancellor, disrupting academic activities to protest rising insecurity and repeated robbery attacks off campus.
Protest Over Recurring Robbery Attacks and Killings
The protesting students alleged recurring robbery attacks and killings of fellow students living off campus. They initially blocked the Minna-Bida road but later moved to block the main gate before the arrival of the Vice Chancellor. The students demanded that the Vice Chancellor leave, and efforts to calm them were unsuccessful.
According to Daily Trust, it took several hours before university security created a way for the Vice Chancellor to gain access into the university. The protest also truncated the computer aptitude semester test scheduled for 100 and 300 level students.
Student Lamentations and Calls for Action
A student who preferred anonymity said one student was killed in a robbery attack three days ago, while some students were injured in another robbery attack the previous night. The student lamented that no action had been taken to protect them despite several reports to the FUT Minna management.
“For the past one week, we have not had it comfortable with the rate of robbery attacks. We have continued to lose our valuables including our laptops and phones. Some of my colleagues were injured last night. Should we continue like this? We are not safe honestly speaking,” the student said.
Staff Blames Security Charges and Management Inaction
A staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the students were provoked by the N10,000 security charges they pay every session. He blamed the FUT Minna management for not taking measures to address off-campus security concerns.
University Management Response
The Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Bashir Ganiyu, said FUT Minna management was already in talks with the police to ensure adequate security off campus. He added that the university management had equally engaged vigilantes to complement the police effort.
“We are handling the situation. The off-campus security is under the control of the police. Notwithstanding, we have vigilantes assisting the police. Even the Commissioner of Police is aware of our challenge and the matter will be addressed,” Professor Ganiyu stated.
Broader Context of School Closures Due to Insecurity
Schools have closed in several states in Nigeria amid rising fears of terrorist attacks and abductions. A teachers' strike in Oyo State has led to school closures, raising concerns over student safety. Edo State in South-South Nigeria closed schools following intelligence warnings of a planned mass abduction. Additionally, terrorists re-abducted Papiri schoolchildren in Niger State, and attacks in Agwara LGA killed over 30 people and abducted many villagers, including schoolchildren.
