Garissa, Kenya - Students at the Garissa University College in Kenya were warned of a possible attack but thought it was an April Fool's day joke, according to a News24 Kenya correspondent on the scene.
- Are you there or do you know anyone there? Send us your eyewitness accounts and photos.
Militants stormed the university early on Thursday morning. At least 15 people have been confirmed dead so far, and dozens of people injured, according to latest reports.
Students at the institution told News24 there had been warning messages and notices placed in the school compound that warned of planned terror attacks, urging vigilance.
However, most of the students thought the notices were an April Fool's day prank.
'We were warned'
"There were notices and we were warned, but it was April 1, who would think it was serious," said Ali Noor, a third year business student, who was lucky enough to miss the attack because he slept at a friend's home outside the campus.
"It is the holidays so we were all in a good mood. It is so sad that it was actually true," a shocked Noor said.
Noor has friends who he thinks are stuck in the university hostel but he cannot reach them as their phones are off.
"I have friends there. I hope they are okay," a shaken Noor added.
A prior notice had also been placed at different universities in the country, warning of impending attacks on an unnamed institution.
The Al Shabaab militia group has already taken responsibility for the attack.
- Follow News24's Live Update to get the latest on this incident.