Delta State Polytechnic Temporarily Shuts Down After Brutal Attack: One Fatality, Three Rapes Reported

In a harrowing incident last week Thursday, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, faced a shocking assault as unidentified gunmen invaded student hostels, resulting in one fatality and the reported rape of three female students. Numerous other students sustained injuries during the attack, prompting the institution’s decision to temporarily close its doors.

According to reports, the assailants scaled the hostel’s fence and gained entry by coercing security personnel. Eyewitnesses described the gunmen tying up security personnel, issuing threats, and then proceeding with their violent operation. A female student, speaking anonymously, revealed the recurring nature of such attacks, with armed men targeting hostels, shooting, and assaulting students.

“The armed robbers came in their numbers, proceeded to tie the two security men in the compound and ordered them not to make noise or they would be shot before they started the operation,” an eyewitness stated. The student community has been gripped by fear, leading to a mass exodus from the school premises.

A male student disclosed, “One student was shot dead, others were cut with cutlasses. The gunmen not only raped the female students but also shot a male student. As I speak to you, the male student is bleeding from his anus where he is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”

In response to the escalating security concerns, the Rector of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, announced the temporary closure of the school on Friday, ensuring the safety of the students. The closure is anticipated to last for one week, with academic activities expected to resume on Monday, February 26.

The Students Union Government (SUG) issued a statement endorsing the management’s decision and instructing all students in hostels to comply with the directive for a semi-semester break. The statement assured students that during this period, collaborative efforts between the school management, SUG, the community, and security agencies would be implemented to address the prevailing insecurity in the hostels.

The State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, has taken swift action by summoning the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer in Ogwashi-Uku to address the situation. Security measures have been heightened in the polytechnic town, with assurances that the police command is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of students and prevent any potential protests.