Bauchi Polytechnic students protest incessant armed robbery attacks
The students of Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi State have marched through the streets of the state to protest the increasing attacks by armed robbers in Gwallameji, the neighbourhood where the institution is located.
According to reports, the demonstration was sparked by numerous instances of armed robbery attacks on approximately 35 different residential areas of students in Gwallameji, which is situated outside the polytechnic’s campus.
Additionally, one resident was reportedly stabbed by the robbers after they took his phone and demanded money from him.
A female student, who preferred not to be named, disclosed that armed robbers, armed with machetes, knives, and other weapons, assaulted students in their living quarters multiple times, demanding phones, laptops, money, and jewelry from them.
Angered by the inadequate handling of the security situation in Gwallameji by the community leaders and the polytechnic administration, the students rallied in the streets and blocked the Dass-Bauchi highway and the main entrance of the institution.
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Another student, Monday John, stated that the armed robberies in Gwallameji were aided by troublemakers believed to be residents of the area, who allegedly invited criminals from other parts of Bauchi to target students.
He mentioned that some victims were able to identify their attackers and alerted security personnel for intervention.
However, John expressed frustration that when such suspects were apprehended, they would eventually be seen moving freely in the neighbourhood.
Confirming the incident, the Ward Head of Gwallameji, Sanusi Mohammed, revealed that around 50 armed robbers raided the neighbourhood and broke into students’ lodgings at midnight.
He noted that the latest incident occurred shortly after students returned from the Eid-el-Kabir holiday. He criticised landlords for not assisting in improving the security situation.