Calls for Stronger Security, Justice and Support for Survivors
JALINGO — The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Taraba State Chapter, has condemned reported cases of rape, sexual harassment and violence against female students in the Taraba State School of Nursing and surrounding student communities.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Hapson Haruna Babale, described the reported incidents as deeply disturbing and called for urgent action to protect students and other young people.
NYCN CONDEMNS RAPE, SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST FEMALE STUDENTS IN TARABA
Babale said no student should have to choose between pursuing an education and protecting herself from sexual violence, stressing that female students deserve dignity, protection, appropriate support and justice.
The NYCN chairman also raised concern over what he described as recurring cases of robbery around student communities, particularly the alleged theft of phones, money and other valuables.
He said the increasing security concerns around tertiary institutions have now extended to reports of sexual violence, describing the situation as a recurring problem that requires deliberate and coordinated intervention.
> “Silence in the face of such antisocial and deadly activities is not golden. Female students are subjected to indignity. This is not just a one-time incident, but a recurring decimal,” he said.
The youth council expressed solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and acknowledged the courage required to speak about such experiences.
According to Babale, the safety and welfare of students and young people should not be treated as an afterthought.
NYCN Demands Action
The NYCN called on relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the reported incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
It also demanded stronger security around the School of Nursing and other student communities, particularly in vulnerable areas, access routes, hostels and surrounding environments.
The council further called for accessible reporting mechanisms through which students can report threats, harassment, assault and suspicious activities without fear.
It urged authorities to ensure that survivors of sexual violence have access to medical, psychological, legal and other necessary support.
The NYCN also advocated the involvement of students in security planning and prevention efforts, arguing that students understand the security challenges confronting their communities.
The council called for preventive measures rather than waiting for another incident to occur.
It equally urged students, community members, civil society organisations, youth leaders and other stakeholders to speak up, report suspicious activities, support survivors and reject the normalisation of sexual violence.
Babale reaffirmed the NYCN’s commitment to engaging relevant authorities, school managements, security agencies, community stakeholders and other partners to strengthen security around student communities.
> “We stand with survivors. We stand against rape. We stand against sexual violence. We stand against insecurity. We stand for justice. We stand for the safety, dignity and protection of every young person,” he said.
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The NYCN chairman stressed that young people deserve to learn, live and pursue their future in safe environments.
“Enough is enough,” he declared.
