Anxiety Grows Over Viral Security Threat Message Targeting UNN

UNN has dismissed a viral social media claim about a planned terrorist attack as unverified but has introduced additional security measures, including increased security personnel, restricted campus access, and a ban on motorcycle operations within the university.

Residents of Enugu State have expressed concern following the circulation of an anonymous social media message alleging that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) could be the target of a planned attack by suspected terrorists.

The message, which spread widely on Facebook and other social media platforms, claimed that armed individuals had entered the Nsukka area disguised as commercial motorcycle operators. According to the post, the alleged attackers were gathering information and planning an operation that could involve the abduction of students from the university.

The anonymous statement further alleged that the attackers intended to gain access to the institution through areas close to the campus. It included descriptions of parts of the university environment and warned of a possible attack in the coming weeks. The post urged the public to share the information widely as a precaution.

As the message continued to circulate, many residents became worried about the safety of students and staff. Reports indicated that some churches in the area organized special prayer sessions focused on peace and security within the university community.

In response to the growing concerns, the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka stated that there is no verified intelligence or credible security report supporting the claims contained in the viral message. The institution stressed that the information remains unconfirmed and should not be treated as factual.

Despite dismissing the claims as unverified, the university announced several precautionary measures aimed at strengthening security across the campus. According to the institution, additional personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic locations around the university to support existing security arrangements.

The university also disclosed that some campus access gates would be temporarily closed to improve monitoring and control movement into and out of the institution.

As part of the new security measures, motorcycle operations within the university have been suspended indefinitely. Only motorcycles belonging to authorized security personnel will be allowed beyond the university gates. Staff members who use motorcycles for transportation have been advised to park them outside the campus before proceeding to their workplaces.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, urged students, staff, parents, and members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading information that has not been verified. He emphasized that unnecessary panic could disrupt academic and social activities within the institution.

Egwu encouraged members of the university community to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious individuals, activities, or movements to security officials. He noted that maintaining security is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from students, staff, and other stakeholders.

He also warned against relying on anonymous social media posts designed to create fear and uncertainty. According to him, such messages should be treated with caution until they are verified by appropriate authorities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for learning, teaching, and other academic activities. Management assured students, staff, and parents that it would continue working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

Authorities added that the situation is being closely monitored and that any important developments will be communicated through official channels.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GUARDIAN