SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL REPORT
Tension and outrage have swept through the Federal University of Lafia community in Nasarawa State after armed robbers reportedly invaded a student hostel in the Gandu area and allegedly raped a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member during the attack.
According to residents, the terrifying incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while many students were asleep, leaving victims traumatised and fearful over growing insecurity around off-campus lodges.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the compound between about 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., stealing mobile phones, threatening occupants, and forcing residents into panic.
One distressed student described the incident as part of repeated attacks that authorities have allegedly failed to address despite several complaints from residents.
“This lodge is located at Gandu near Dynasty Lodge. These attacks have been happening frequently and nothing has been done,” the student lamented.
Another resident recounted the horrifying moment the attackers allegedly targeted a female occupant after she refused to open her door.
“They entered through the window because she refused to open the door. They collected our phones and molested the lady. It was terrifying,” the witness said.
Residents claimed the victim is a serving NYSC member posted to Lafia.
Students in the area expressed anger and frustration, saying insecurity around the university environment has become unbearable.
“We came here to study, but now we sleep in fear every night. Instead of focusing on our education, we are thinking about how to protect ourselves,” one resident stated emotionally.
Another witness alleged that the attacker continued threatening the victim after the assault, demanding access to her mobile phone.
“After assaulting her, he still demanded she unlock her phone. When she refused, he threatened to use a hot pressing iron on her body,” the resident claimed.
The emotional testimonies have triggered widespread condemnation among students and residents, many of whom are now demanding urgent action from security agencies and the Nasarawa State government.
One student said fear prevented many residents from even crying out for help during the invasion.
“I heard the lady shouting, but I thought she was talking with a friend until I heard the attackers threatening to shoot her. Fear completely gripped everyone,” the witness recounted.
Residents also alleged that the robbers attempted to force victims to transfer money electronically during the operation.
“When I told them I had no cash, they gave me an account number to transfer money. They even checked my room to confirm if I was alone,” another resident narrated.
The disturbing attack has reportedly left many students traumatised, with some already considering relocating from the area over safety concerns.
Sources further claimed that the parents of the corps member allegedly assaulted had taken her home due to concerns over her emotional and psychological condition.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Omar Ahmed Chuso, said the command had not yet received an official report of the incident.
“Tell them to file a report immediately because the command is not aware of any incident in Gandu. I will also contact the Divisional Police Officer to investigate the matter,” he said.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of students and corps members living in off-campus accommodations across Nigeria.
