Nursing Students Protest After Female Student Allegedly Raped in Hostel Attack
Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, have staged a peaceful protest following an overnight attack on an off-campus female hostel, during which a female student was allegedly sexually assaulted and seriously injured.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 21, 2026, reportedly involved suspected hoodlums who invaded the hostel located outside the institution’s main premises while students were asleep.
The attackers allegedly dispossessed several students of their mobile phones, money and other valuables. One female student was reportedly raped during the attack and sustained serious injuries, with some reports alleging that one of her fingers was cut.
The victim was subsequently taken to a hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo for medical attention, according to sources familiar with the incident.
Students Take to the Streets
The attack triggered anger among students, who gathered and protested at the college, demanding urgent action from the Taraba State Government, the institution’s management and security agencies.
The students said their concerns extend beyond the latest attack, arguing that those living in private hostels outside the school premises have repeatedly faced security threats.
A sStudents’ Union official, who spoke anonymously because of fears of victimisation, said the latest incident was the second major attack involving students’ accommodation within a short period.
According to the official, some hostels were attacked the previous week, with students losing phones and other personal belongings.
Global Mirror News gathered that students had previously raised concerns about the security situation with the school authorities. Following the earlier incident, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education reportedly visited the institution and promised that security measures would be strengthened.
Police Confirm Attack, Begin Investigation
The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed receiving a report concerning the invasion of the female hostel and the alleged sexual assault of a student.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Didango Shehu, said the command was aware that suspected hoodlums attacked female hostels situated outside the main campuses and dispossessed students of their belongings.
He also confirmed that police were aware of the allegation that one of the female students was raped during the attack.
DCP Shehu said investigation had commenced with the aim of identifying and arresting those responsible.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed the immediate deployment of additional patrol teams to the affected community and other areas heavily populated by students to prevent further attacks.
College Management Reacts
The Deputy Provost of the college, Mr Khikando Agyo Yavini, speaking on behalf of the Provost, Dr Mrs Dorcas S. Dugule, said the institution was working with security agencies to address the situation.
Yavini said management was concerned about the incident and was taking steps to prevent a recurrence.
He appealed to the protesting students to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct their investigation.
He also disclosed that the police had agreed to deploy personnel to the affected hostels, while consultations involving the college management, security agencies, the Ministry of Tertiary Institutions and student representatives were ongoing.
Students Demand Better Protection
Global Mirror News reports that the students are particularly concerned about the vulnerability of those residing in temporary and private accommodation outside the college premises.
They are calling for stronger security around student residential areas, increased police patrols, improved surveillance and accelerated provision of adequate on-campus accommodation.
The latest incident has also renewed concerns over the security challenges confronting students of tertiary institutions in Jalingo, particularly those who live away from their campuses.
Reports indicate that students in other institutions in the state have also raised concerns about attacks around off-campus accommodation, highlighting the need for coordinated security measures around student-populated communities.
The alleged sexual assault remains a matter for police investigation, while authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the perpetrators and determine appropriate legal action.
Global Mirror News will continue to monitor developments, including the condition of the injured student, the outcome of the police investigation and any arrests made in connection with the incident.
