Panic Erupts At UNIZIK Female Hostel As Suspected Herdsman Sparks Widespread Fear Among Students

 

A wave of panic swept through the Ezekwe Female Hostel of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, on Sunday evening after students reported sighting an unidentified man suspected to be a Fulani herdsman within the hostel grounds. Witnesses say the man’s presence triggered immediate apprehension, and students quickly intervened to prevent any potential threat before campus security officials took over.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the situation escalated as students struggled to understand how a male stranger could gain access to a female-only hostel, raising serious questions about existing security measures. Chiago Stephanie, a resident of the hostel, described the moment as chaotic, noting that the man began behaving erratically, seemingly demonstrating signs of mental instability when confronted. She said the incident intensified fear among students already anxious about growing reports of insecurity across the country.

Authorities at the university have sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event. A university official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the incident did not constitute an invasion of the hostel. According to the official, the man was apprehended by the safety department, and subsequent interrogation suggested that he was mentally unwell rather than having malicious intentions.

Security personnel confirmed that no weapons, harmful objects, or evidence of criminal activity were discovered on the individual. The official explained that the panic stemmed largely from students’ heightened awareness of the nation’s volatile security climate. The man was later taken to the safety department office for further observation and assessment, with early findings indicating that he may be suffering from a mental disorder rather than engaging in any deliberate threat.

Despite the assurances from authorities, students continue to voice concern over the vulnerability of campus hostels. Many have called for more robust security measures, including stricter access controls and more visible patrols, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The presence of an unknown male in a space traditionally restricted to female residents has sparked widespread debate about safety protocols on university campuses across Nigeria.

Efforts to obtain an official response from UNIZIK management were initially unsuccessful. The university’s public relations officer, Njelita Louis, indicated that the administration plans to release a formal statement detailing the incident and outlining steps to enhance security, although no such communication had been issued at the time of reporting. Students and staff remain on alert, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and more stringent safety measures to reassure campus residents.

The incident has highlighted not only the importance of campus security but also the delicate balance between managing genuine threats and addressing concerns arising from mental health-related behavior. For now, UNIZIK students are left grappling with lingering anxiety while awaiting decisive actions from university authorities.