The Nasarawa State Police Command has denied claims that over 30 female students of the Federal University, Lafia, were raped by bandits during a recent attack.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, told The PUNCH on Tuesday that investigations revealed the report to be false.
“That report is false. Bandits entered the school and raped over 30 female students? Our findings show that the report is not true,” Nansel said.
He added that the police had contacted the institution’s Chief Security Officer and information officer, as well as some students, and none confirmed any such incident.
“We also got across to the Chief Security Officer of the institution, and the information officer of the school, who said there was no reported incident of such.
“We spoke with some students, and they said nothing of such happened. If it truly happened, the students would be vocal about it.”
The police said there was, however, a report of a robbery incident in the student village area.
“On July 27, we received a report of robbery in the student village area. One cellphone, a power bank, and a handbag belonging to a student named Jennifer were stolen.
“One male student was also injured while trying to escape. There was no report of rape.
“That was the report we had. Over 30 female students were raped? Haba! If there was, there’s no need to hide it, we are not the cause,” he said.
Also reacting to the rumour, a user on X, @deehsarasheed, who identified as a student leader at the institution, described the claim as fake and misleading.
“This report is fake and stands condemned,” the user wrote.
According to the post, the attack occurred at the student village, not the main hostel, and involved cases of robbery.
“Here is the gist exactly as it happened: Student village was attacked by the criminals, not the hostel. Several rooms were robbed. Only one student was raped, and that was because she was found naked after they barged into her room (she stated that she was lying naked).
“The school hostel has never been attacked due to the presence of heavy security at all times.
“The school has four female hostels as against one for males. I am a student of the school and among the student leaders,” the user posted.