BY RICHARD ABU, Nasarawa –
Security has been beef up within and around the premises of Bingham University in Karu, Abuja-Keffi Expressway, following an alleged rumour on social media that Boko Haram terrorists have earmarked the institution for possible attack.
As a result of this, parents have started withdrawing their children from the institution over fear of possible attack by the terrorists group.
Our correspondent, who visited the university’s campus, which is about 25 kilometers away from the FCT, gathered that some parents now bring their children from their homes to attend lectures and take them back after the day’s activities.
It was observed that there are more road blocks mounted with stern looking security operatives armed to the teeth, while there is heavy presence of Nigeria Army personnel strategically located on different parts of the school environment.
It was also gathered that the university’s management has adjusted the academic timetable for examination to commence on Thursday, July 28 instead of 8th August that was formerly planned.
Some students who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said “Due to the panic, some parents are scared to bring their children to write their examinations and they may have to carry over such courses’.
“Also, some lecturers of the university are afraid to attend any academic programmes”.
“This is because the perimeter fence round the university is not completed as the back of the university campus is porous and vulnerable for Invaders”. They said.
Meanwhile, The Director, Public Affairs of Bingham University, Mr Daburi Misal has debunked the news making rounds on social media about Boko Haram’s invasion of the institution.
Mr Daburi Misal in rebuttal said: “The attention of the management of Bingham University has been drawn to an online news report by nationwidenews.ng stating that `Boko Haram writes Bingham University, parents withdraw wards in panic’.
“The write up goes on to state that Boko Haram wrote the authorities of the university, informing of an imminent attack”.
“The claim is totally false as no such letter has been received by the authorities of the university,” he said.
Mr. Misal said that the university had however taken extra precautionary security measures in the light of information being circulated in the social media.
He said that the claim that some parents had gone ahead to withdraw their children/wards from the campus was also false.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply