Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

Authorities of the University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, have dispelled rumours that it would be temporarily closed down as a result of security threats in the state, saying that measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and properties at the institution.

The chief information officer of the university, Ahmed Tanko Mohammed, who cleared the air on behalf of the vice chancellor, Mala Daura, on Sunday in Maiduguri, said that the rumour of possible attack of the campus by members of the Boko Haram group was “unfounded and misplaced”.

“There is no cause for alarm. The university authority is working in collaboration with security agencies to ensure security for the entire university community. We have quite a good number of security personnel around the university and as such, parents and guardian should know their children are safe,” the vice chancellor assured.

He therefore cautioned students against fleeing the campus on the basis of the rumour and encouraged them to settle down for their academic activities.

Daura added: “We have no intention to close the university as academic activities continue unhindered. We urged the students to continue their lecture without fear because the security situation in Maiduguri is now calm and normalcy is returning.”

Hundreds of students had fled the university campus for fear of an attack against the school after two people died last Friday from stray bullets during a gun battle between the Army and insurgents in the state.

It would be recalled that members of the Boko Haram sect had invaded the Giwa Barracks, which is a short distance from the institution, shooting indiscriminately and setting off explosives with the motive of freeing some of its detained members.

The military fought back to frustrate the plan and in the process up 220 casualties as at the last count were recorded.