Security operatives at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, have come under criticism after a viral video showed a student being physically assaulted during an enforcement operation over alleged use of a restricted route.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, captured the moment the student, reportedly a law undergraduate, was chased, apprehended, and forcefully restrained by security personnel near the campus gate.
In the video, the visibly distressed student was heard asking what offence he had committed, while some of the security men referred to him as a “criminal” as they dragged him towards a security post.
He was beaten by more than three security men, with bystanders unable to intervene.
Preliminary findings indicate that the student had used a route designated as restricted by campus authorities.
Security men moved to apprehend him for alleged trespassing and refusal to properly identify himself.
Sources also stated that the student fled after an unidentified individual allegedly threatened him with a stone-like object, prompting a pursuit before he was eventually overpowered.
A campus-based platform, UNN Chronicles, later reported that the situation was resolved after the student submitted a formal letter of apology.
He has since been released.
However, the forceful nature of the arrest has triggered backlash online, with many users condemning the conduct of the security men.
Reacting on Instagram, user onapulu_lion challenged the claim that students were properly informed about the restriction.
“Actually there wasn’t any prior warning. The security department, till that day of the event, has no notice or warning against the use of that route. Yes, the restrictions exist but verbal. So what if that guy is a fresher or just have never heard about it?
“What they did to that boy is pure harassment. If na to catch window men now, e go hard them. Na for innocent boy body them go dey show power,” the user wrote.
Another user, de.sage (Augustine Aghanwa), criticised the handling of the situation and suggested legal consequences.
“If Nigeria is working, this boy can sue this old cargos and make a lot off the security department. He has evidence, and I’m sure they don’t have a camera footage of him trespassing. See old men handling a student or son figure at home like he stole something, just because he was stubborn and trespassed,” he said.
Offering a different perspective, Official_PIKOLO defended the enforcement of campus rules.
“Which one is stand and video, bro if you’re wrong, just admit you’re wrong, then apologise. You will be wrong and still want to make a video. Who do you want to drag? Back then in school at my school admin, there are some routes you don’t follow, it is a normal school procedure,” the user wrote.
Providing further context, an individual identified as the Students’ Union Government Chief of Staff, Adams Okorie with the handle, chiefigwe_, justified the actions of the security personnel, citing growing security concerns on campus.
“Recent incidents at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus have raised serious security concerns. Students have been robbed, with phones and valuables stolen by individuals who disguise themselves as students and gain access to classrooms and hostels.
“These incidents have occurred multiple times, and due to limited resources, campus security has introduced strict measures to protect students,” he said.
He added, “From experience, appearances can be deceptive. I witnessed this one at Law Faculty when I was reading with my friends. We caught a thief dressing professionally to blend. He claimed to be a law student but could not provide any proof. Upon further questioning and beating, he admitted involvement in theft, revealing that his accomplice was at HESSA with the items they had stolen.”
The PUNCH