Students Protest Insecurity at Federal University

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Students of the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Niger State, held a peaceful protest on Tuesday, blocking the Minna–Bida Road briefly to raise concerns over insecurity in their off-campus communities. The students, who are mostly final-year students, claimed that suspected armed robbers had been attacking them in their off-campus neighbourhoods, reportedly arriving in Hilux vehicles and wielding firearms. According to the protesters, several victims had been dispossessed of laptops, mobile phones, and other valuables worth millions of naira during the attacks.

The protest comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Niger State, where residents have continued to report cases of armed robbery, kidnappings, and banditry. Students of tertiary institutions in the state have repeatedly expressed concerns over attacks in off-campus communities, with many calling for stronger collaboration between school authorities, host communities, and security agencies to protect lives and property.

While universities have direct responsibility for security within their campuses, off-campus security largely falls under the jurisdiction of conventional security agencies, although institutions often work with law enforcement to enhance the safety of their students. The students said they had previously met with the vice-chancellor to raise concerns over repeated armed robbery incidents targeting students residing outside the campus. However, the vice-chancellor allegedly told them that the university was not responsible for incidents occurring outside its premises.

The students further alleged that for about three weeks, suspected armed robbers had been attacking students in off-campus neighbourhoods, reportedly arriving in Hilux vehicles and wielding firearms. According to the protesters, the vice-chancellor was said to be attending a meeting with officials of the Students’ Union Government at the time of the protest.

However, efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to obtain the reaction of the university management were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. The protest has raised concerns among students, parents, and the general public about the level of insecurity in off-campus communities and the need for urgent intervention by the university management and security agencies.