Students in Colombia report violence and intimidation at universities

Students at various educational institutions in Colombia are reporting increased incidents of violence and intimidation. At Unitrópico, a student was the victim of a violent robbery near the university entrance where attackers attempted to stab him. Student representative Daniel Sánchez noted that six students were robbed of computers, phones, and money in the previous week, including one case involving a minor who faced death threats.

In response, students at Unitrópico held a peaceful protest demanding increased police patrols, better lighting, and surveillance from the Yopal Mayor's office. Similar concerns were raised by communities at SENA and Colegio ITEY.

Separately, at the Universidad del Atlántico, students reported an incursion by masked individuals carrying gasoline, oil, knives, and homemade explosives. Witnesses stated the group attempted to deliver speeches and engage in vandalism, causing students to flee classrooms. Some students intervened to seize combustible materials, and the group was eventually expelled from the campus following confrontations and boos from the student body.