University authorities debunk false reports of terrorist threat, prohibit motorbikes from entering premises

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has moved to allay fears over a social media post suggesting a potential terrorist attack and mass abduction on its Nsukka campus, with management assuring staff, students, and visitors of their safety as of Sunday.

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Inya Agha Egwu, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, issued a statement denying the existence of credible security intelligence or verified threats to support the claims made in the online post, describing the information as unsubstantiated.

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Despite the lack of any known threat, the university has taken extra precautionary measures to bolster security on campus, including deploying personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to key entry points.

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These measures are intended to complement the efforts of the university's security unit, with some access gates to the Nsukka campus set to be temporarily closed to improve the monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the institution.

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Motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect, meaning that motorcycles will no longer be permitted beyond the university gates, except for those belonging to authorized security personnel.

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Staff members who commute on motorcycles have been advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their offices, as part of the new security arrangements.

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The university has urged members of its community to remain calm and continue with their normal activities without fear, while also appealing to parents, guardians, students, staff, and the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information.

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Management has reiterated that there is no known threat to the institution, while encouraging students and staff to remain vigilant and security-conscious, reporting any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the university's security department or the nearest security agency.

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The university has emphasized that security remains a collective responsibility, calling for the cooperation of all stakeholders in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the institution is known.

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Management has cautioned against relying on anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages, particularly those containing sensational claims designed to generate fear and uncertainty, reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe, secure, and conducive environment for teaching, learning, and other academic activities.