Concerns are mounting in Enugu State over a viral social media post warning of a planned terrorist attack and potential kidnapping of students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The anonymous statement, shared on Facebook over the weekend under the name “Anonymous Syndicate,” claimed that jihadists had entered Nsukka community disguised as motorcycle transporters to scout the area for an attack.
The post read: “The institution UNN is the target. In the coming weeks, the UNN institution would be attacked and students would be taken away (K-Napped). They plan to penetrate through a place with name Obokpar, a place we see as close to the institution and a busy section of that institution.” It further described the university’s gates and nearby landmarks, urging the institution to act swiftly or face “the biggest invasion in the history of the region.”
University Management Response
Reacting to the development, the University Management issued a statement declaring that there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims. The information, they said, “is unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual.”
Nevertheless, the university has taken additional precautionary measures to strengthen security on campus. These include the deployment of personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points to complement the efforts of the University Security Unit. Additionally, some access gates to the Nsukka campus will be temporarily closed to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement.
Management also announced an immediate suspension of motorcycle operations within the campus. No motorcycle will be permitted beyond the university gates except those belonging to authorized security personnel. Staff who commute on motorcycles are advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus perimeter before proceeding to their offices.
Call for Calm and Vigilance
The University’s Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, advised members of the University Community to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear. He urged parents, guardians, students, staff, and the public not to spread unverified information capable of creating unnecessary anxiety, panic, or disruption.
“While there is no known threat to the University, we encourage members of the University Community to be vigilant and security-conscious. Any suspicious person, movement, or activity should be promptly reported to the University Security Department or the nearest security agency,” Egwu said.
He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and that the cooperation of all staff, students, and stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known. Anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages should be treated with caution, particularly when they contain sensational claims designed to generate fear and uncertainty.
Meanwhile, some churches in the state declared Sunday as a day of “prayer and fasting for security and peace” at the university, reflecting the widespread concern among residents.
