Hostel Raid, Student Protest Prompt Bauchi Polytechnic Shutdown

A violent hostel raid and subsequent student protest at Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, have led the institution to shut down academic activities indefinitely for safety reasons.

The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi has announced an indefinite suspension of all academic activities after a violent breach of campus security led to a student protest that spiraled out of control.

According to an official statement released by the institution’s Registrar, Kasimu Salihu, the crisis began when a group of unidentified assailants invaded the male hostel. During the raid, they carted away students’ valuables and left at least two students injured. The attack occurred late at night, catching students off guard and prompting widespread panic.

In the aftermath, aggrieved students gathered at the polytechnic’s main gate early Tuesday morning to voice their anger and demand swift intervention from the school authorities. Eyewitnesses reported that the protest, which initially started peacefully, quickly gained momentum as more students joined in, blocking the institution’s entrance and calling for justice and better security.

Registrar Salihu noted that the polytechnic’s management team, including principal officers, responded immediately by addressing the protesting students and assuring them of swift action. However, tensions escalated when external individuals—believed to be non-students—intervened and hijacked the protest, turning it into a chaotic scene.

“Unfortunately, what started as a legitimate demonstration of concern by our students was infiltrated by hoodlums who have no affiliation with the institution and whose actions posed a serious threat to lives and property,” Salihu explained.

Given the rising tension and the potential for further violence, the management decided to shut down academic operations as a precautionary measure. All students were instructed to vacate the school premises within two hours, with the closure remaining in effect until further notice.

Security agencies have reportedly been alerted and are investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators of the hostel attack and those responsible for instigating violence during the protest.

The polytechnic urged students to remain calm and assured them that efforts are underway to restore normalcy and ensure their safety upon eventual resumption.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH