The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has been plunged into turmoil following a brazen night-time robbery at the male students’ hostel, which triggered a fiery protest and forced the management to order an immediate shutdown of the institution.
In a statement released Tuesday, the school’s Registrar, Kasimu Salihu, confirmed that suspected hoodlums stormed the male hostel late Monday night, carting away valuables including smartphones, laptops, and other personal items. Two students sustained injuries during the attack.
The dawn after the incident saw tensions boil over as furious students gathered at the main gate, chanting and demanding swift, decisive action from the authorities. Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense, with emotions running high over what many see as a long-standing security crisis in and around the campus.
“Upon this sad development, students came out to express their justifiable frustration, calling on management to act,” Salihu explained. “While the principal officers moved swiftly to address the crowd, it soon became clear that criminal elements had infiltrated the peaceful protest, escalating the situation.”
Citing the need to restore order, the management announced an immediate suspension of all academic activities. Students were given just two hours to vacate the campus until further notice.
The incident has revived painful memories for many on campus. In March 2022, armed robbers similarly attacked the institution’s off-campus hostels, injuring several students and looting personal belongings. That attack prompted night-time movement restrictions and increased security patrols, yet concerns over student safety have persisted.
For many students, this latest assault is the final straw, fueling fears that their campus is becoming a hunting ground for criminals. With the school silent on when academic activities will resume, uncertainty hangs thick in the Bauchi air.
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