Horrific Attack On Female Hostel At Federal University Of Lafia Leaves Community In Shock.
A devastating attack on a female hostel near the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State has left the local community and university officials reeling. Reports indicate that on the night of 26 July 2025, a group of heavily armed bandits stormed student-populated areas, including Akunza, Gandu, and Burkan Kwato, allegedly raping 30 female students and injuring several others with machete wounds. The assault has sparked widespread outrage and urgent calls for improved security measures around the university.
Witnesses described a coordinated invasion by the bandits, who arrived in a convoy of vehicles and targeted off-campus lodges where many students reside due to limited on-campus accommodation. The attackers reportedly subjected students to hours of terror, with some victims sustaining severe injuries. Sources within the university community, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the incident, expressed horror at the scale of the assault, likening it to a “mini-Chibok tragedy.”
The Nasarawa State Police Command has faced scrutiny over its response. Police Public Relations Officer Ramhan Nansel denied claims of mass rape, stating that the incident on 31 July involved armed robbers who injured one male student and stole a female student’s bag. He dismissed the possibility of such a large-scale assault occurring under police watch, asserting that law enforcement was present in Lafia at the time. However, these claims have been met with scepticism by students and local residents, who argue that the police response was inadequate.
The attack has highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Nasarawa State, where students have faced repeated incidents of kidnapping, assault, and violence. The Federal University of Lafia’s limited hostel infrastructure has forced many students to live in vulnerable off-campus areas, exacerbating their exposure to such risks. Student leaders and community members are now demanding immediate action, including increased security patrols and the construction of safer on-campus housing.
In response, the university administration has promised to work closely with local authorities to investigate the incident and enhance safety measures. The Vice-Chancellor issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, vowing to ensure justice is served. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have called for a national response to address the growing insecurity affecting educational institutions across Nigeria.
As investigations continue, the incident has ignited a broader conversation about the safety of students, particularly female students, in Nigeria’s universities. The community awaits concrete steps to prevent such atrocities from recurring, while the victims receive medical care and support. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to protect the nation’s future leaders.