NIGERIAN STUDENTS SHARE GORY EXPERIENCES

Borno, Nigeria, 21 Rajab 1434/30 May 2013 (MINA) – The State of Emergency which was announced in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states two weeks ago, was seen as a remedy for the guerrillas movement. But, students residing in these states are beginning to feel the heat, even as they have continued to share their gory experiences.

Nigerian media reported that the challenges started when mobile network operators in Borno State closed their network services the second day the emergency rule was declared. Students and lecturers were stranded as there was no means of communicating.

“It was a surprise when the network went off. I had thought it would come back soon but it is more than one week now and it’s yet to be brought back. It’s not been easy living in a place like Maiduguri without communicating with your parents and loved ones for more than a week,” a student of the University of Maiduguri, Lawrence Ayolotu, said.

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“The reports of the media concerning the security situation in Maiduguri are of bombings, killings and casualties. I am sure they would be disturbed about my well-being but there is nothing I can do to help this situation,” he added.

Ayolotu also said that the means only by which the campus community communicates with the outside world is via the internet.

“For now, the only means by which the campus community communicates with the outside world is via the internet. The university cafe which can accommodate about 60 students at a time is the last resort for students, while students with smart phones and Android access the university’s café wireless services.”

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When Quadlife visited the café, there was hardly space to move about as there were so many students in the cafe.

“I’m trying to send message to my parents that I’m still alive and nothing negative is happening on campus,” a student who spoke in Hausa language said.

The news of the sudden death of one Jilpilda Samuel Thliza, a student of Agricultural Engineering, University of Maiduguri on the second day after the emergency rule was declared, has continued to heighten the fears amongst students of the university.

Samuel was said to have been hit by stray bullets within Maiduguri metropolis on his way home for the weekend break. The posters of his obituary at different strategic points on campus sent cold shivers down the spines of the students as it was like the proverbial death killing your neighbour, it may mean that yours is around the corner.

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“The death of Samuel made me scared. I always go to town every weekend to spend time with my family. But with the death of Samuel, I’ve decided to stay on campus till vacation,” Idris Suleiman, a 200-Level Medical student of the university said.

Also speaking, Olajide Emmanuel, a graduating student of Ramat Polytechnic, the state-owned Polytechnic in Maiduguri said “The proximity of the Police Headquarters to our campus is a major concern to us here. We have seen and heard a lot, and the tales are scary. We are only trusting God to help us through our stay.” (T/P09/P03)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)