Maduka University Debunks Claims of Bandit Settlement Near Campus, Clarifies Circumstances Surrounding Student’s Death

The management of Maduka University, Enugu State, has firmly dismissed widespread rumours alleging the presence of bandit settlements near its campus, describing the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to incite fear among the public. The private university, located in Ekwegbe community of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, said the reports form part of a sustained campaign by detractors to damage its reputation and discourage prospective students and parents.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the university addressed a viral video circulating online which purportedly showed criminal or bandit activity close to the institution. According to the management, the video was falsely presented as evidence of insecurity around the campus, when in reality it had no connection to Maduka University or its immediate environment. The school stressed that there is no bandit camp or criminal settlement operating in or around the university.

The management reassured parents, students, and the general public that the campus remains safe and secure, with adequate security infrastructure in place. It stated that Maduka University operates within a protected environment and maintains regular collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. The university urged Nigerians to completely disregard what it described as a “false alarm” and to rely only on verified information released through official channels.

According to the statement, academic and administrative activities on campus are continuing normally, without any disruption or threat to safety. The management emphasised that the welfare of students remains a top priority and that fear-mongering narratives only serve to undermine confidence and create unnecessary panic in the wider community.

Beyond the security rumours, the university also used the opportunity to respond to what it described as “false and damaging reports” concerning the death of one of its nursing students. The management said it owed the public a factual account of the incident, following widespread speculation and accusations of negligence circulating on social media.

Contrary to claims that the student walked into the medical centre or was brought in by friends, the university clarified that she arrived at the school’s medical facility already in a critical condition and was conveyed by the university’s hospital ambulance. The management categorically denied reports alleging that the student was administered a diclofenac injection, stating that no such medication was given at any point.

According to the university, the student arrived at the medical centre at approximately 9:30 p.m., where she was immediately attended to by the doctor on duty. Necessary investigations were carried out, appropriate medication was administered, and a working diagnosis was made in line with standard emergency medical procedures. At that stage, the student reportedly showed signs of improvement and was placed under continuous monitoring, receiving full nursing attention throughout the night.

However, the situation changed suddenly in the early hours of the morning. Around 4:00 a.m., the student’s condition deteriorated unexpectedly. The nursing staff promptly alerted the doctor on call, and emergency protocols were immediately activated. She was swiftly transferred in the university’s 24-hour ambulance to another hospital for advanced emergency management.

The management also debunked claims that the attending doctor personally drove the ambulance, clarifying that the university operates a dedicated ambulance service with trained personnel responsible for such transfers. It described the allegation as misleading and inconsistent with the facts.

Furthermore, the university disclosed that the student had an underlying chronic medical condition which had not been previously disclosed. According to the management, this concealed condition significantly contributed to the complications that ultimately led to her death.

While expressing deep sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased student, the university condemned attempts to exploit the tragic incident to tarnish its image. It insisted that allegations of negligence, wrong medication, or abandonment are false and do not reflect the professional conduct of its medical team.

Maduka University reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, student welfare, and continuous improvement, urging the public to exercise caution, verify information, and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated claims that could cause unnecessary fear and distress.