Students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, are demanding urgent security measures after an alleged overnight attack on an off-campus hostel left a female student injured and several others robbed.

Hundreds of students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, have taken to the streets in protest following an alleged overnight attack on one of the institution’s off-campus hostels.

The attack, according to reports, left a female student traumatised after she was allegedly raped and had one of her fingers severed by the assailants.

The attackers reportedly also dispossessed students of mobile phones and other valuables during the incident.

The injured student was subsequently taken to a hospital in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo, where she is receiving medical treatment, according to reports.

The latest incident has heightened concerns among students over the safety of those living in accommodation outside the college premises.

A students’ union official said the attack was the second reported incident involving the college’s hostels within two weeks.

According to the official, students had raised concerns about security following an earlier robbery incident and were assured that steps would be taken to improve the situation.

However, the latest attack has renewed calls for immediate action from the authorities.

The protesting students are demanding urgent intervention from the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to protect students and prevent further attacks.

They are also calling for safer accommodation arrangements and the implementation of measures previously recommended by the state Ministry of Tertiary Education.

The ministry had reportedly recommended stronger security around students’ accommodation and the relocation of students to safer facilities, including the completion and use of the college’s new hostel buildings.

For the students, the latest incident has intensified fears about remaining in hostels where they say adequate security measures have yet to be put in place.

The protesters are therefore urging the government and security agencies to investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible and take concrete steps to guarantee the safety of students.