Hundreds of students at the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) barricaded the school gate on Tuesday in protest of ongoing robberies.
The protest, which took place at the institution's main gate, was in response to what the students described as "constant robbery of female hostels by armed men."
The students, who barred both staff and visitors from entering the school, said they would stay until the authorities did something to alleviate their concerns.
David Ekpo, one of the protesting students, stated that robberies of female hostels at the school were becoming too common.
"This is not the first or second robbery incident, but the third this month since we resumed, and nothing has been done to improve the school's security."
"Late last night, another female hostel was attacked, rather than protect us, the policemen on campus prefer to chase us around campus,” he said.
A 200 level female student, who identified herself as Cynthia Olam, said the robberies, which were becoming too frequent, was having a psychological toll on the female students.
She said that, “Since the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended their strike and they came back, this is the third time they have robbed us.
“The robberies are becoming too frequent and some of us feel so insecure. If the situation does not improve, it will have a terrible impact on our studies, particularly we the girls.”
Efforts to get reactions from the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Austin Amgba, and the Public Relations Officer, Onen Onen, failed as they both declined comments at press time.
Recall that in 2021, a male student was stabbed to death for trying to stop a group of robbers, who attacked some girls and snatched their phones.
(NAN)