Ebonyi College hostel attack: Provost speaks on missing students

The Provost of Ebonyi College of Health Science and Technology, Ngbo, Princess Chetachi Chibueze Jerry Usulor, has confirmed that no student is missing after hoodlums attacked the female hostel of the institution.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Usulor said nine students were injured during the incident, which happened around 1:20 a.m. on June 8.

According to her, the attackers entered the hostel and stole mobile phones, cash, ATM cards and other valuables from students. She said she immediately contacted security agencies, including the police and homeland security personnel, who responded quickly, causing the attackers to flee.

Usulor explained that the college’s large unfenced area contributed to the security breach. Although the state government had previously released funds for fencing, she said more resources were needed to complete the project.

She stated that the hoodlums escaped through one of several access points around the campus when they noticed security personnel and residents arriving at the scene.

The provost clarified that the injured students were not physically attacked by the robbers. Instead, they sustained injuries after jumping from the one-storey hostel building while trying to escape.

“Some students upstairs jumped through windows out of fear or while trying to protect their phones. Those currently receiving treatment were injured from the fall,” she said.

The affected students were taken to hospital for medical examinations, including X-rays and scans. Usulor said about nine students are still receiving treatment to ensure there are no serious complications before they are discharged.

She dismissed rumours that some students were missing, insisting that all students had been accounted for.

The provost also revealed that investigators suspect the attackers may have received help from insiders. She said some victims reported that a female member of the gang appeared to know the hostel layout and directed the attackers to specific rooms.

She added that the police are investigating whether anyone assisted the criminals.

On security arrangements, Usulor explained that male security personnel were stationed outside the female hostel because there were no female security officers available to stay within the facility. She said the security personnel on duty that night are being questioned as part of the investigation.

To prevent future attacks, the college management has met with security stakeholders in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and agreed on stronger security measures.

Under the new arrangement, police officers, local vigilantes and homeland security personnel will provide round-the-clock security for the institution.

Usulor said local security operatives would be particularly useful because reports suggest the attackers communicated in the Ngbo dialect, which may help identify them.

Also speaking, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Ernest Chukwudi Nwobasi, confirmed that armed robbers invaded the female hostel and stole phones, money and ATM cards from students.

He said nine students were hospitalised after suffering injuries while trying to escape and appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to improve security around the institution.

Nwobasi also called for the completion of the school’s perimeter fence and greater support for accreditation efforts, which he said are important for the institution’s academic growth.

Police authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of filing the report.