Gunmen Invade Ebonyi Health College Hostel, Injure 10 Students

Fear and uncertainty have engulfed the College of Health Sciences, Ngbo, in Ebonyi State after armed men invaded a student hostel and injured at least 10 students in a violent overnight attack that has triggered fresh concerns over campus security.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the institution located in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, leaving several students hospitalised and forcing others to abandon their accommodation amid fears of another attack.

Witnesses said the assailants stormed the hostel at about 2:00 a.m., unleashing violence on occupants before carting away valuables.

Sources within the institution disclosed that some of the victims suffered gunshot wounds while others sustained deep machete cuts during the assault. The injured students were rushed to medical facilities within the local government area, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Hospital sources indicated that while some victims were taken to the General Hospital in the area, others were transferred to private medical facilities depending on the severity of their injuries. Although no deaths have been reported, several of the injured students are said to be undergoing intensive medical care.

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying officers responded immediately after receiving reports of the attack. Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the attackers escaped before security operatives arrived at the scene. According to him, preliminary investigations suggest the attack was motivated primarily by robbery.

“The hoodlums came to steal. They assaulted the students and made away with phones, laptops, power banks and other personal belongings,” he said.

Ukandu disclosed that detectives had already launched investigations and were pursuing leads that could result in the arrest of the suspects.

The police spokesman also raised concerns about the vulnerability of the institution, noting that the school environment lacks adequate security infrastructure. According to him, the absence of perimeter fencing and insufficient security personnel may have contributed to the ease with which the attackers gained access to the hostel.

“The school is very porous. There is no proper fencing around the premises and security arrangements are inadequate,” he noted.

The revelation has intensified calls for authorities to strengthen security measures around tertiary institutions across the state.

The attack has left many students traumatised, with some already vacating the hostel out of fear for their safety. Several students who spoke anonymously described scenes of confusion and terror as the attackers moved through the building. Many said they were awakened by screams and gunshots before realising armed men had invaded the premises.

“We are living in fear,” one student said.

“Many students are moving out because they no longer feel safe. Some of our colleagues are in hospital and everyone is worried that this could happen again.”

The attack adds to growing concerns about insecurity around educational institutions in parts of Nigeria, where schools and hostels have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs.

Stakeholders are now urging the Ebonyi State Government, school authorities and security agencies to take urgent steps to improve surveillance, reinforce hostel security and protect students from future attacks.

As investigations continue, students and parents alike will be looking for assurances that those responsible are brought to justice and that measures are implemented to prevent a recurrence.