Bauchi Polytechnic Shutdown After Students' Hostel Robbery Protest Turn Violent
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has been shut indefinitely after students protested a night-time robbery at the male hostel
- The demonstration turned violent when suspected hoodlums joined, leading to clashes with police
- At least nine students were injured, and the management ordered all students to vacate within two hours
The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has been shut indefinitely following a violent protest by students over a late-night robbery at the institution’s male hostel.
The unrest began early Tuesday after armed robbers allegedly broke into the hostel, carting away phones, laptops and other valuables. Several students were injured, including the class representative of ND1 Computer Science, Matta Musa, who sustained a head injury.
Source: Original
At least nine people were reported hurt, with some taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the protesters blocked the Bauchi–Dass road near the school’s main gate, preventing vehicular movement.
The demonstration escalated when suspected hoodlums joined in, extending the blockade to the federal highway.
Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, prompting some students to throw stones before security operatives regained control.
Students’ Union Government President, Haruna Umar, described the robbery as unprecedented in the school’s history and said the protest was a way to demand urgent action from the management and security agencies.
Management addresses shutdown
Institutional spokesperson, Rabiu Wadda, confirmed the closure, saying it was a precaution to prevent further breakdown of order after the protest was hijacked.
“I have been in the school since 4:00 am trying to manage the situation. Some students have been taken to the hospital. We had to shut down to keep everyone safe,” he said.
Registrar of the polytechnic, Kasimu Salihu, said in a statement that “unscrupulous elements” invaded the hostel, injuring at least two students and stealing their belongings.
He noted that while management officials arrived promptly to engage with the students, the demonstration was quickly overtaken by individuals with no connection to the school.
“Given the ugly turn of events, management hereby orders the immediate closure of academic activities. Students have two hours to vacate the campus until further notice,” the statement read.
Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, confirmed that officers were on the ground to restore calm and promised a detailed statement once investigations were complete.
Source: Legit.ng
