Crime

Bloody Night at University of Lafia: Mass Rape, Machete Attacks Spark Outrage

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on August 4th, 2025.

Bloody Night at University of Lafia: Mass Rape, Machete Attacks Spark Outrage

Lafia, Nasarawa State – A wave of horror and outrage has swept across Nigeria following a brutal midnight attack on students of the Federal University of Lafia by suspected bandits, leaving over 30 female students reportedly raped and several others with life-threatening machete wounds.

The attack, which occurred late Sunday night, has been described by witnesses as one of the most terrifying in the school’s history. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the heavily armed assailants invaded off-campus hostels located in the Gandu and Mararaba-Akunza areas, which house hundreds of students due to insufficient accommodation within the main campus.

According to several victims and student leaders, the bandits operated for hours without any security intervention, forcefully breaking into rooms, sexually assaulting female students, and attacking others with machetes and sticks. Some male students who tried to resist were reportedly hacked with blades or tied up and beaten.

One survivor, who requested anonymity for fear of stigma, said, “They broke the door and dragged us out like animals. We screamed for help, but no one came. I will never forget that night for the rest of my life.”

At least 12 students have been hospitalized with deep cuts and trauma-related injuries. The full number of affected victims is still being compiled, as some students are feared to have fled into nearby bush paths during the chaos.

The university management released a statement condemning the attack and promising full cooperation with security agencies. “We are devastated by this cruel act of violence against our students. The University is working with the Nasarawa State Government and relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and the affected students receive the care they need,” the statement read.

However, student groups have criticized the institution and state authorities for failing to provide adequate security despite repeated warnings about increasing threats from nearby forested areas.

“The writing has been on the wall for months. Bandits have been terrorizing communities near our school, and no concrete action was taken. Now we are counting lives and scars,” said Ibrahim Abubakar, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from rights activists, civil society organizations, and the general public. The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) called it “a national shame,” urging the federal government to declare a state of emergency on campus security nationwide.

“This is not just a university issue. This is about the safety of Nigerian youths who are being slaughtered or violated while seeking education,” said Dr. Abiola Akiyode, Executive Director of WARDC.

As of press time, no arrests have been made, and security operatives are yet to issue a comprehensive update. Meanwhile, many traumatized students have begun returning home, while others are calling for a temporary shutdown of the institution until safety can be guaranteed.

The tragedy at the University of Lafia is a grim reminder of the deepening insecurity across Nigeria, where students, farmers, commuters, and even traditional leaders have become targets of violent criminal gangs.

For the survivors, the scars — physical and emotional — may take a life

time to heal.