Tension gripped the area around Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, after unknown attackers, believed by some to be herders, assaulted a group of students on Sunday night, leaving several injured.

The incident reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. along Ifite Road as the students many of them said to be first-year undergraduates were heading to a night study session within the campus. According to sources, the route they took is considered isolated, especially after dark.

During the attack, a male student sustained severe injuries while attempting to shield himself. He was rushed to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Amaku for urgent treatment. In a message shared on WhatsApp, the victim’s mother expressed distress over the situation, stating that her son lost three fingers in the assault, while his twin sister also suffered injuries.

A source within the university community explained that the siblings had tried to escape when they noticed the attackers approaching. While the female student managed to draw attention by raising an alarm, her brother was reportedly unable to outrun the assailants. Bystanders who responded to the cries for help transported him to the hospital before security personnel were alerted.

University officials were said to have visited the injured students on Monday morning. Those reportedly present included the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; the Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwura; the Director of JUPEB, Prof. C. Akunne; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Anthony Apiti; and a representative from the Public Relations Office, Bonny Nkwuaku.

When contacted, the institution’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations/Protocol, Louis Njelita, confirmed that an attack had taken place. He noted that the matter had been brought to the attention of the Chief Security Officer and that steps were being taken in response.