No fewer than 10 students of the College of Health Sciences, Ngbo, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, sustained injuries after armed men reportedly attacked their hostel in the early hours of Tuesday.
The assailants, who allegedly stormed the students' residence at about 2 a.m., inflicted gunshot and machete wounds on several occupants before carting away valuables belonging to the victims.
It was gathered that the injured students are currently receiving treatment in hospitals within the local government area.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, said operatives were mobilised immediately after the attack was reported but the suspects had fled before security personnel arrived at the scene.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers targeted the hostel to steal valuables from the students.
"The hoodlums attacked the hostel, assaulted the students and made away with several items, including mobile phones, laptops, power banks and other personal belongings," he said.
Ukandu disclosed that an investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
He attributed the security vulnerability of the area to the poor protective infrastructure around the institution, noting that the school lacked perimeter fencing and adequate security arrangements.
"The school environment is porous and there appears to be inadequate security. However, our officers are investigating the incident and efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators," he added.
Some students who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed fear over the attack, saying many residents of the hostel had begun relocating for safety reasons.
One of the students said the incident had heightened anxiety among students, particularly those living within the affected hostel.
"Our hostel was invaded by armed men. Many students were injured and their belongings stolen. Some victims are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, while others are being attended to at a private medical facility," the student said.
Another student noted that the attack had created panic within the college community, with several students moving out of the hostel over fears of a possible recurrence.
The incident has raised concerns over security around educational institutions in the state, as police continue investigations into the attack.
0 Comments