PENTALK360 
Controversies have greeted alleged rape and robbery attack in off-campus hostels housing students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
Some media outfits had reported about nine female students of the institution were raped while over seventeen others were injured when a gang of suspected robbers raided scores of hostels located along Ifite road, Awka.
While Anambra Police Command described the report as mischievous, false and unconfirmed, students of the institution decried what they termed incessant robbery of students in their respective lodges on daily basis.
The Students Union Government, in a statement, titled: “Our commitment towards a safer Iife”, signed by its President, Comrade Charles Ijeomah, condemned the attacks, insisting that the university could not afford to lose any other student to such ugly incidence.
He urged law enforcement agencies whose responsibility remained protection of lives and property of the citizens to rise to the occasion by urgently deploying their patrol team to the area to forestall further occurences.
He also urged students to remain calm, law abiding and refrain from any form of protest or demonstration, promising to inform them of next line of action in event their expectations were not met.
But Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement, who described such media reports as targeted at causing tension and bringing the state to disrepute, warned peddlers to desist fortwith or would not be spared if apprehended.
The statement reads: “Anambra State Police Command wishes to state that there is no report/record as being peddled by some online media and national dailies tagged seventeen persons injured and nine female students rape in a hostel.
“However, the command not wanting to join issues urged the victims of the incident (if there is any) to come forward with information that will help the Police to embark on investigations.
“Also, members of the public should be guided as serious cases of this nature should be reported to the closest police station than resorting to social media.
“This will enable the police to do preliminary findings before embarking on proper investigations.
“Given the above, the publication is mischievous/false, unconfirmed, and poised to cause tension and bring the state to disrepute, kindly disregard, please.”
Authorities of the university have disclaimed the alleged rape of nine female students in the institution.
Acting Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, Chika Ene, in a statement, admitted cases of robbery attacks in the area where most off-campus students lodges are domiciled, but said preliminary investigations revealed that such level of rape incidence did not occur as reported.
She said the management recently met with officials from state government and police authorities as part of efforts to provide maximum security to the area.
“The management had also engaged the services of private security agency to assist in crime fighting within the area.
“While efforts are being intensified by relevant authorities, the University management assures students of her commitment to a safe and conductive learning environment,” the statement added.
