The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has stepped up security on its campus following a viral social media post threatening a kidnap attack on students by suspected Islamic terror bandits.
The post, which surfaced on Facebook over the weekend under the title “Anonymous Syndicate,” claimed that Jihadists had infiltrated the Nsukka community disguised as motorcycle riders to scout the area for a possible attack.
The post specifically named UNN as the target and warned that students would be kidnapped in the coming weeks, with the suspected entry point identified as a location called Obokpar, described as close to the institution.
“The institution UNN is the target. In the coming weeks, the UNN institution would be attacked and students would be taken away (K-Napped),” the post read.
The message went on to describe specific landmarks around the university in detail, including gates, banks, a shopping mall, an eatery and an eye clinic, adding a layer of concern for many residents who felt the description was too accurate to ignore.
The post spread rapidly across the state, sparking fear among residents and parents. Some churches in the area held special prayer and fasting sessions on Sunday, specifically for the security and safety of the university community.
In response, UNN management said there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat to back up the claims in the viral post.
“The information being circulated is therefore unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual,” the university stated through its Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu.
Despite this, the university said it has taken additional precautionary measures out of an abundance of caution.
These include the deployment of Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Army personnel at key entry points, the temporary closure of some access gates, and the immediate suspension of motorcycle operations within the campus.
Staff who ride motorcycles to work have been advised to park outside the campus perimeter before proceeding to their offices.
Egwu urged students, parents, staff and the general public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.
“Anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages should be treated with caution, particularly when they contain sensational claims designed to generate fear and uncertainty,” he said.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for academic activities, while encouraging everyone on campus to report any suspicious person or activity to the University Security Department or the nearest security agency.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
