The management of Sa’adu Zungur University has confirmed that one of its female students, Maryam Yakeem, was attacked by individuals suspected to be phone thieves.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, was confirmed in an official statement issued on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Hassan.
According to the statement, the victim is a 200-level undergraduate of Biology Education in the university. Management explained that the attack was carried out by unknown persons believed to be involved in phone-snatching activities.
The university, however, clarified that the incident did not happen within any of its campuses, contrary to reports circulating on some online media platforms.
Hassan said misleading accounts had suggested that the student was attacked inside the university premises, a claim the institution strongly denied.
“The unfortunate incident occurred outside the university environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating on certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the university premises,” the statement said.
“The university management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation.”
The clarification appears aimed at addressing concerns among students, parents, and members of the public following reports that raised questions about security within the institution.
Sa’adu Zungur University, a state-owned tertiary institution in Bauchi State, operates across three campuses and hosts thousands of students from within and outside the state.
The management noted that it remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Fatimah Tahir, was quoted in the statement as reaffirming the institution’s dedication to the welfare and security of members of the university community.
According to the statement, sustained collaboration between the university’s internal security units and relevant external security agencies has helped ensure peace across the campuses.
Management stated that no incidents of insecurity had been recorded within the university premises in recent times, attributing the calm situation to proactive security strategies and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The institution also recalled that the Vice-Chancellor had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and enhance security support for the university.
University officials said the engagement with security authorities was designed to improve intelligence sharing, emergency response, and general protection for students and staff.
Following the latest attack on the student, the university said immediate steps were taken to ensure the victim received proper medical care.
The statement disclosed that the institution’s Chief Security Officer, together with the Dean of Student Affairs, visited the student in hospital shortly after the incident.
The officials were said to have assessed her condition and ensured that necessary medical attention was being provided.
The university confirmed that the student is currently in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the management, also extended sympathy to the victim and her family, wishing her a speedy recovery.
She reiterated the administration’s resolve to continue implementing measures that would protect lives and property across the institution.
The management further expressed concern over what it described as the spread of unverified and misleading information by some online media outlets.
According to the statement, inaccurate reporting of security-related matters can create unnecessary fear, panic, and tension among students, parents, and the wider public.
The university stressed the importance of responsible journalism, urging media organisations to verify facts before publication, especially on sensitive matters involving safety and public confidence.
It noted that sensational or inaccurate reports fall short of accepted standards of ethics and professionalism in journalism.
Observers say incidents involving students often generate widespread concern, particularly when they touch on issues of campus safety and criminal activity in surrounding communities.
Phone theft and street robbery remain recurring security concerns in many urban centres across Nigeria, with students and young people frequently targeted because of their mobile devices and personal belongings.
Educational institutions have increasingly strengthened partnerships with police and community security groups to address threats both within campuses and in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Sa’adu Zungur University said it would continue to work closely with security agencies to maintain safety within its campuses while also supporting broader efforts to improve security around student residential areas and adjoining communities.
The management called for calm among students, staff, parents, and members of the public, assuring them that the situation is under control.
It added that necessary steps are being taken to guarantee continued safety both within and outside the university environment.
Students have also been advised to remain vigilant, avoid isolated areas when possible, and promptly report suspicious movements or security concerns to relevant authorities.
As investigations into the attack continue, university authorities say their priority remains the full recovery of the affected student and the continued safety of the wider campus community.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for stronger community-based security measures around institutions of higher learning, where many students live and move daily between campuses, hostels, and nearby neighbourhoods.
