KEY POINTS

• Armed men attacked a student hostel at Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology, injuring at least seven students.

• The attackers reportedly forced their way into the hostel in the early hours of the morning and robbed students of their valuables.

• Police have confirmed the incident and launched an investigation into the attack

At least seven students were injured after armed men attacked a hostel at the Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The attack reportedly occurred around 1 a.m. on Tuesday when the assailants invaded the hostel while students were asleep. The incident created panic among residents of the facility as the gunmen forced their way into rooms and carried out a robbery operation.

Students were caught off guard by the sudden attack, with several of them sustaining injuries during the invasion.

According to reports, the gunmen robbed students of various personal belongings, including valuables kept in their hostel rooms.

Although details of the stolen items were not immediately disclosed, the attackers were said to have moved through the hostel, intimidating occupants and dispossessing them of their possessions before fleeing the scene.

The incident has renewed concerns over the security of students living in off-campus and on-campus accommodation facilities across the country.

Police Confirm Incident

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the attack on Wednesday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, said security authorities were aware of the incident and had commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

He assured that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

While the police did not immediately provide further details regarding arrests or recoveries, authorities said investigations would continue until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The latest attack adds to a growing list of security incidents affecting tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Students, lecturers and university administrators have repeatedly raised concerns about armed robbery attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities targeting campuses and student hostels.

Many educational institutions have faced criticism over inadequate security measures, especially in hostels located in isolated areas or communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.

The Ebonyi incident comes barely a week after a tragic armed robbery attack involving a student of Lagos State University (LASU).

The student, Joseph Otabor, reportedly died from injuries sustained during an attack in the Iba area of Lagos. University authorities said he was assaulted alongside friends outside the campus during the night.

Similarly, in June 2025, a student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, in Niger State, was killed during an armed robbery incident. The development prompted the state government to temporarily shut down the institution while security measures were reviewed.

In another case, armed robbers invaded the Awolowo Hall female hostel at the University of Ibadan in February 2026. During the raid, the attackers reportedly stole mobile phones, jewellery, clothing and other personal items from students in an operation that lasted for more than an hour.