By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
Panic engulfed Ebonyi College of Health Science and Technology, Ngbo, in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi state after suspected hoodlums invaded the institution’s female hostel in a midnight robbery operation that left nine students hospitalised.
The Provost of the institution, Princess Chetachi Chibueze Jerry Usulor, however, dismissed reports that some students were missing following the attack, insisting that all occupants of the hostel had been accounted for.
The attackers reportedly stormed the hostel at about 1:20 a.m. on June 8, carting away mobile phones, cash, ATM cards and other valuables belonging to students.
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Addressing journalists Wednesday at the college premises, Usulor said the hoodlums fled when security agencies mobilised to the scene after distress calls were made to the police and homeland security personnel.
“I contacted the police control room, the divisional police headquarters and homeland security personnel immediately the incident occurred. As security operatives and residents began arriving, the hoodlums escaped,” she said.
The provost disclosed that most of the injured students sustained fractures and other injuries while attempting to escape from the hostel through windows and other exit points in fear.
“Some students living upstairs jumped through windows while trying to save themselves or hide their phones. Those hospitalised were injured from the fall, not from direct assault by the attackers,” she explained.
According to her, the affected students were receiving medical attention and undergoing scans and X-rays to determine the extent of injuries.
She blamed the security breach partly on the institution’s unfenced environment, revealing that although the Ebonyi state government had previously provided funds for fencing, additional resources were still needed to complete the project.
Usulor also raised suspicion of insider involvement in the operation, alleging that some students claimed the hoodlums repeatedly demanded to know the whereabouts of a particular individual during the attack.
She further revealed that a female was allegedly seen among the attackers directing them to specific rooms within the hostel.
“That aspect is already under police investigation. The police will determine whether anyone aided the operation,” she stated.
The provost said security personnel on duty at the hostel were already being interrogated as part of ongoing investigations.
She disclosed that management of the institution had met with security stakeholders in Ohaukwu local government area and resolved to strengthen security surveillance around the campus.
According to her, police officers, local vigilantes and homeland security operatives would now provide round-the-clock security coverage for the institution.
Also speaking, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Ernest Chukwudi Nwobasi, confirmed that armed robbers invaded the female hostel and dispossessed students of valuables.
Nwobasi appealed to the Ebonyi state government to urgently improve security infrastructure in the institution, including completion of the perimeter fencing project.
He also called for government support towards accreditation needs and improved learning facilities in the college.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
