Gunmen attack Delta poly hostels, kill one, rape three students

Tension has seized Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, following an attack by gunmen on student hostels, resulting in one reported fatality and several injuries. Subsequently, the school management declared a one-week suspension of academic activities to implement security measures and prevent a recurrence.

A female Higher National Diploma student, speaking anonymously, disclosed that students had vacated the premises due to the persistent threat of gunmen. She recounted incidents of armed men invading hostels, shooting a male student and raping two female students during the initial attack. Students have been commuting from their homes for classes in the past two weeks, fearing further assaults.

Another student, preferring anonymity, claimed that a student was killed in the Friday shooting, with others sustaining injuries from cutlasses. The attackers not only raped female students but also shot a male student who is currently undergoing treatment, bleeding from his anus.

The school closure was announced by the Rector, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu, prioritizing student safety. The Students Union Government (SUG) endorsed the decision, instructing hostel residents to comply with the semi-semester break. The SUG assured that during this period, collaborative efforts between the school management, SUG, community, and security agencies would be undertaken to address the heightened insecurity in hostels.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, summoned police officials over the incident, expressing concern about a potential student protest. Security measures have been intensified in the polytechnic town, with assurances that the situation is under control.

Reports indicate that the assailants infiltrated the hostels by scaling the fence and coercing security personnel into silence before commencing their operation.