UNIZIK denies reports armed robbers raped 9 female students

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state, has dismissed reports that armed robbers raped nine female students of the institution.

Reports recently swirled that robbers invaded the female hostels at the institution and raped students.

They were also said to have made away with different items belonging to the female students in the process.

But in statement on Saturday by Chika Ene, its head of information and public relations unit, the institution described the reports as “false”.

The varsity said while Ifite, the community housing the hostels, have witnessed robbery attacks in recent times, it is “untrue that such level of rape incidence occurred”.

“It has come to the attention of the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University of the false information as published by a few national dailies and blogs wherein it was alleged that 9 students of the University were raped,” the statement reads.

“In as much as there have been some robbery incidents in the Ifite axis where most off-campus student lodges are domiciled, it is however untrue from our preliminary investigations that such level of rape incidence occurred.

“The news story which appears syndicated across these national dailies reeks of poor journalism.

“The university management recently had a meeting with officials from the state government and the Nigerian Police Force as part of efforts to provide maximum security in the student area.

“Furthermore, the management had also engaged the services of a private security agency to assist in fighting crime within the student area. While efforts are being intensified by relevant authorities, the university management assures students of her commitment to a safe and conducive learning environment.”

The institution called on “journalists and bloggers to desist from publishing inaccurate information that seeks to cause undue tension and panic.”