The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has been shut down indefinitely after students staged a violent protest on Tuesday over a late-night robbery at the institution’s male hostel, which left several injured and valuables stolen.
The unrest began in the early hours when armed robbers reportedly invaded the hostel, carting away gadgets and personal belongings. At least nine students were said to have been injured, including the Class Representative of ND I Computer Science, Matta Musa, who sustained a head injury.
Students accused the school of failing to protect them, blocking the Bauchi–Dass Road in front of the campus to demand action. The demonstration escalated when suspected hoodlums hijacked it, barricading the federal highway. Police responded with tear gas, prompting stone-throwing from some protesters before officers regained control.
“This is students showing their grievances to management and authorities,” Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Haruna Umar, told reporters, describing the incident as unprecedented in the school’s history.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Rabiu Wadda, confirmed the closure, saying the measure was to avert further breakdown of law and order.
“I have been in the school since 4:00 am trying to curtail this situation. As we speak, I have not gained entrance into the campus,” he said, adding that some injured students had been taken to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
In a separate statement, the Registrar, Kasimu Salihu, said “unscrupulous elements” attacked the hostel, injuring two students and stealing valuables.
“What was meant to be a peaceful protest was taken over by hoodlums who do not mean well to the students and the institution,” he said, directing students to vacate the campus within two hours.
Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, said officers were on the ground working to restore normalcy and would issue a detailed statement after gathering facts.
