12th September, 2011
Fear and apprehension today gripped members of the University of Ibadan (UI) community over a suspicion that members of a terrorist group, Boko Haram would attack the premier institution anytime.
As a result, the school authorities beefed up security around the school.
Armed guards were deployed at all the entrances leading to the school this morning.
The second semester examination of the institution slated to commence 9am this morning was disrupted and could not start as scheduled.
At the two main entrance gate, the school security men who did not have bomb detector or any other sophisticated device to detect bomb or dangerous weapons were seen checking people and their cars with bare hands.
The check result in heavy traffic jam around the institution.
All efforts to reach the institution’s spokesperson, Mrs. Joke Akinpelu for explanation proved abortive as she switched off her phone at the time of filing this report.
Also, all the security men declined to speak with our correspondent over the development but one of them who spoke under anonymity revealed that the school authorities informed them that members of Boko Haram want to strike in the institution.
According to him, “They gave us this gun but told us not to use it to shoot anybody. They said that we can only use it against strange persons suspected to be Boko Haram members. All of us, including we the security men, are scared and we pray that Boko Haram should not come here. They should limit their operation to the North and among themselves.â€
P.M.NEWS gathered from a reliable source in the institution that Boko Haram sect wrote a letter to all the Federal Universities in the country that they want to attack learning institutions including UI.
A few months ago, rumours spread around Ibadan that Boko Haram sect had invaded the city and perfecting strategy to launch an attack on innocent people.
The fear of the sect has also compelled the Oyo State Police Command to beef up security at its headquarters situated at Eleyele Area of Ibadan.
The police authorities did not only put one of its two gates leading to the command under lock and key, they also subject anyone, including policemen coming into the command to scrutiny. An anti-bomb squad is stationed at the gate to screen all those who come to the command.
Also, this morning, lecturers and students of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Benin City, South-South Nigeria, were gripped with fear following a threat letter they received that the Boko Haram sect will strike on the campus today.
The threat forced the university authorities to close lecture rooms while security was beefed up on the campus.
Students and visitors to the campus were searched thoroughly by the institution’s security staff.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Edo State, ASP Peter Ogboi could not be reached for comments at press time. His phone was switched off.
—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan & Yomi Obaditan/ Benin City