Taraba nursing students protest after alleged hostel attack, rape

By Abdullahi Abdullahi

Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Science, Jalingo, on Monday staged a peaceful protest following an alleged overnight attack on a female hostel located outside the institution’s premises.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, sparked concerns among students over their safety and security in privately operated accommodation facilities around the college.

Sources said suspected hoodlums allegedly broke into the hostel and dispossessed students of their mobile phones and other valuables before attacking one of the female students.

The victim was reportedly sexually assaulted and seriously injured during the attack.

Sources further alleged that one of her fingers was severed during the incident, although the circumstances surrounding the reported mutilation could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The injured student was said to have been rushed to GSCN Hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo, where she was receiving medical attention.

The development reportedly triggered the protest by the students, who called for urgent measures to strengthen security around hostels occupied by students outside the college premises.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the vulnerability of students living in off-campus accommodation and the need for improved security arrangements around such facilities.

As of press time, there was no official statement from the Taraba State Police Command or the management of the College of Nursing Science confirming the reported attack, the alleged rape or the mutilation.