Hostels at Rivers State University (RSU) have become sources of fear and distress, with a series of unsettling incidents plaguing Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Students of the affected hostels, A and C, lamented that they were facing a series of robberies and attacks.

In Hostel A, a recurring problem of theft has reached a critical point, with criminals accessing the hostels through the drainage system and robbing students.

The students alleged that despite repeated robberies, the hostel management only advised them to lock their doors and be security-conscious without taking any measure to beef up security or fix the drainage to prevent criminals from gaining entrance into the premises.

A terrifying incident unfolded around 5.00am, on August 1, 2025 when a female student, Chiamaka Chigekwu, said her friend was attacked by a man who emerged from the gutter connected to the hostel while she was trying to use the toilet. She said the assailant stole her phone and assaulted her. Her cries for help went unanswered, as other students could not help her, fearing that the attacker was armed.

Displeased by the lack of commitment by the management, the students printed a poster with the caption: “Enough Is Enough! Hostel C Is No Longer Safe”, “We are tired of theft, fear and insecurity”, “While students are losing phones, laptops and peace of mind, security is busy checking dressing instead of catching criminals.”

They demanded: “Secure the hostel, investigate the thefts, protect lives and property. We demand real security in Hostel C, not fashion policing, but crime prevention.”

Responding, the Registrar, Mrs. Ibimonia Harry, said the attention of the management of the school was drawn to the incident and, in response to the incidents, two students were apprehended within the week in Hostels C and F. A female student was caught in Hostel C for stealing money and clothing, while a male student in Hostel F was caught in possession of a stolen laptop.

She said: “Both students have been evicted from the hostels, handed over to their parents, and will be referred to the Students Disciplinary Committee for further action.

“We wish to state categorically that the University Security Unit responded swiftly to these cases and proactive steps have been taken to prevent future occurrences.”

The management of the university called on all students and staff to remain calm and vigilant, as the school security and security agents were around the hostels and the entire campus to deal appropriately with any further incident within the campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, visited Hostel C and directed that a security post be erected in front of the hostel immediately, additional security operatives deployed to the vicinity, and protective gadgets installed around the drainage close to the hostel.

He equally urged the potters to be vigilant and screen all visitors to the hostel, adding: “In the circumstance, we wish to reassure all parents, staff and students that their safety is guaranteed.”

Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said: “I will investigate the matter.” (The Guardian)