Following a recent attack at Atari community, the management of Lens Polytechnic Offa has called for calm and reassured students, parents, and the general public of its unwavering commitment to student safety.
Atari, a community largely inhabited by students from Lens Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Offa, and indigenous residents, was thrown into panic on Thursday night when hoodlums suspected to be of Fulani origin based on eyewitness accounts stormed several student hostels. The attackers carted away mobile phones and other personal belongings.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, the management of Lens Polytechnic visited the affected hostels, engaging directly with students and residents to assess the situation and show solidarity. According to the institution, no lives were lost and no student was kidnapped during the incident, contrary to misleading reports circulating online.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nurudeen Mohammad, the Polytechnic called on the public to disregard unverified reports and videos, particularly those circulated by a platform known as “Campus Report Kwasu News”, which shared an outdated video of an unidentified injured person, falsely linked to the Atari incident.
“We urge members of the public to desist from spreading false information that could incite panic,” the statement read. “No student of Lens Polytechnic or Federal Polytechnic Offa was killed or kidnapped. The attackers were repelled by local residents with support from Hon. Ezekiel Olagoke, and normalcy has since returned.” the statement added.
The management also disclosed that it is currently in active talks with the Nigerian Navy, the Police, and local vigilante groups to strengthen security within the Atari area and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“We are working closely with relevant security agencies and the host community to ensure that our students remain safe. Their welfare is our top priority.”
Parents, guardians, and students have been urged to remain calm and trust in the steps being taken by the institution in collaboration with the community and security stakeholders.
The institution also extended appreciation to community members and security operatives who responded promptly to the attack and helped restore peace.
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