Panic, tension and trepidation hit a female hostel in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) after a powerful windstorm ripped off parts of the hostel’s roof during a heavy rainfall on Friday.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the ugly incident has left students exposed to the downpour and causing extensive damage to personal belongings including foam, books and clothing.
Our source revealed that the incident occurred during a violent rainstorm accompanied by strong winds Friday afternoon.
It was also gathered that many students were left drenched as water poured directly into their rooms, soaking mattresses, books, clothing, electronic devices, and other valuable items.
Some victims who spoke to our reporter under anonymity described the experience as traumatic, saying they struggled to salvage their belongings while seeking shelter from the storm.
“The rain came in heavily after the roof was blown off. Our beds, books, and electronics were soaked. Many of us lost properties worth thousands of naira,” one affected student said.
Another student told our reporter that ” I was in lecture room when my roommate called to inform me that our hostel roof has been blown off by rainstorm. She equally told me that all our clothing and mattresses have been soaked by the rain fall.”
However, videos and photos from the scene showed flooded rooms, damaged ceilings, and students attempting to rescue their belongings from the water.
Our source revealed that though no life was lost during the ugly incident, several students suffered emotional distress and temporary displacement.
WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that sixty-six-year old hostel is not akin to rainstorm.
In 2018, similar incident happened, causing heavy damage to the hostel and other male hostels in the campus.
Since its minor repair in 2018, nothing else has been done to give the hostel a beffitting facelift.
However, the recent incident has renewed concerns about the condition of student hostels and the need for urgent maintenance and infrastructure upgrades within the university.
The Students Union have called on the management to provide immediate relief, repair the damaged building, and assist those who suffered losses.
UNN responds to the incident
On Saturday, June 6, the University authorities issued a statement, confirming the incident while urging the affected students to remain calm.
In a release signed by acting Public Relations Officer of the University, Inya Agha Egwu, the institution said it has provided alternative accommodation for the affected students.
“The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), wishes to inform members of the university community and the general public of the impact of a severe rainstorm that swept across the Nsukka Campus on Friday afternoon, causing significant damage to some university facilities and infrastructure.
“The storm affected many parts of the campus, with the most severe damage recorded at Awolowo and Isa Kaita Hostels where sections of the roofs were blown off.
“The incident exposed some student accommodation areas to the elements and caused disruptions to normal residential activities.
“In addition, a number of trees were uprooted by the storm. Some large branches fell across some roads within the campus, temporarily obstructing movement in some areas.
“Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported, and efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage.
“The University Management has mobilized relevant units, including the Works Services, Taskforce on Environment, Security Unit, Directorate of Housing and Accommodations, and the Student Affairs Department, to clear the affected roads, and ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors.
“The University has commenced a comprehensive assessment of the affected facilities with a view to undertaking urgent repairs and restoration works.
“Alternative arrangements are also being made to minimize inconvenience to students residing in the affected hostels.
“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, expresses sympathy to students and members of staff who were affected by the storm and assures the university community that management is committed to their welfare, safety, and security. He has directed all relevant units to expedite remedial measures and ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible.
“The Vice-Chancellor appreciates staff and students for staying calm during the emergency situation. He urges everyone to remain calm, exercise caution around the affected areas, and cooperate with officials carrying out recovery operations.
“Further updates will be communicated as additional assessments on the impact of the storm are completed.”
