Explosion hits UNICAL, Library Shut Down

An explosion reportedly went off yesterday at the special education wing of the University of Calabar.

It was not confirmed if there were casualties, just as the cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained.

However, the University authorities quickly directed immediate evacuation of students and staff for safety.

In a statement confirming the explosion, the Registrar, Gabriel Egbe said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, had ordered that the Library be shut down immediately.

It was also directed that students should keep off the facility.

Part of the release stated, “The decision to shut down the building is with immediate effect. The University Librarian and Chief Security Officer are to jointly ensure urgent and total evacuation of staff, students and properties out of the building as well as enforce the sealing of the structure.”

It would be recalled that the current management of the university led by Prof Obi had earlier declared a state of emergency on the same building.