Taraba govt intervenes as nursing students protest alleged rape, robbery

The Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education has stepped in following a protest by students at the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences in Jalingo. This protest erupted over allegations of an alleged rape and attempted robbery at a female hostel situated outside the college. A delegation from the ministry, headed by its Secretary Solomon Daniel Nathaniel and other senior officials, met with the protesting students to encourage restraint.

The students' union president alleged that a female student had been raped during the incident and that an attempted robbery also took place at the female hostel. The students demanded immediate relocation to the college's dormitories, which are currently unused, with a 24-hour deadline. They threatened to march to the Taraba State Government House if their demand was not met.

Government spokesman Goje appealed for the students to cease the protest and return to their hostels, and the government subsequently contacted the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, who relayed assurances from the government to address the situation. Security forces were ordered to be deployed to the affected hostels to ensure student safety.

A formal meeting between the Students' Union Government and government representatives is set for September 22, 2026. The concerns raised highlight the safety of students, especially those residing in hostels outside the college. The ministry's intervention aims to restore order and work with relevant authorities and student leaders to resolve the security issues and find a permanent solution to the hostel problem.