The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has assured students, staff and visitors of their safety following the circulation of a viral social media message alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction on the institution’s campus.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the university dismissed the claims as false and unverified, stressing that there is no credible intelligence indicating any threat to the institution.
According to Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, the university reviewed the information circulating online and found no evidence supporting the alarming claims.
“The information being circulated is unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual,” the statement said.
Despite dismissing the rumour, the university announced additional security measures to strengthen surveillance and reassure members of the university community.
The measures include the deployment of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army at key entry points across the campus.
Management also disclosed that some access gates would be temporarily closed to improve the monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the institution.
As part of the new security arrangements, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect.
The university said only motorcycles belonging to authorised security personnel would be allowed beyond its gates, while members of staff who commute on motorcycles have been directed to park them outside the campus perimeter.
The institution explained that the measures are precautionary and not a response to any confirmed security threat.
UNN urged students, parents, guardians and the general public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing fear, panic or disruption of academic activities.
It also advised members of the university community to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to security authorities.
Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the university said it remains focused on maintaining a peaceful and secure environment for teaching, learning and research.
