The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has announced the indefinite closure of the institution following a violent protest sparked by a late-night robbery attack at the male hostel.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Registrar, Alhaji Kasimu Salihu, the institution described the robbery as a “disturbing” incident carried out by “unscrupulous elements” who broke into the hostel, made away with students’ belongings, and left at least two students injured.
The statement explained that while the school’s management, alongside principal officers and staff, responded swiftly to the incident, a peaceful demonstration by students was hijacked by hoodlums with ulterior motives.
“In light of the security threat and to prevent further breakdown of law and order, all students are hereby directed to vacate the campus within two hours,” the statement read, adding that the campus will remain closed until further notice.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the robbery occurred overnight, with students accusing the school of negligence and failure to ensure proper security within the hostels. The robbery triggered a protest early Tuesday morning, during which students blocked the Bauchi–Dass Road and shut the institution’s main gate.
The situation escalated as suspected miscreants joined the protest, taking it to the federal highway adjacent to the campus. Security operatives, including the police, responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. This led to a brief confrontation as some students retaliated by throwing stones before they were eventually dispersed.
President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Haruna Umar, condemned the robbery and the disruption that followed, describing the attack as “unprecedented” in the school’s history. “This is a clear expression of student frustration toward the authorities,” he said.
One of the robbery victims, Matta Musa, a class representative from ND I Computer Science, reportedly sustained a head injury, while several others were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for medical attention.
The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed that he was present at the scene and assured the public that normalcy was being restored. He added that a comprehensive statement would be issued upon conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
