By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo, has announced fresh measures to strengthen campus security, including the donation of two patrol vehicles to security agencies, following the recent killing of a student allegedly by suspected cultists.
The development follows the death of Mr. David Ocholi Solomon, a 300-level Biochemistry student, whose killing raised renewed concerns over security within the university community.
The patrol vehicles were presented during a stakeholders’ security meeting attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, commercial motorcycle operators and other stakeholders on Monday, to review the institution’s security architecture and strengthen intelligence gathering.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the donation of the vehicles, Professor Ogbo said the university remained committed to maintaining a safe learning environment through proactive collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions and the host community.
“We do not wait for security challenges to overwhelm us before taking action. Our administration believes in putting proactive structures in place to prevent crime and protect lives and property,” he said.
He disclosed that one of the newly donated vehicles had been dedicated to anti-cultism operations, while the other would support routine security patrols across the university and its surrounding communities.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its continued support, noting that the vehicles would enhance the operational efficiency of security agencies.
Professor Ogbo clarified that assigning a vehicle to anti-cultism operations should not be misconstrued as evidence of a resurgence of cultism on campus.
“While a few criminal elements may be attempting to rear their ugly heads, they will find no hiding place within this institution. We are working closely with security agencies and members of the host community to ensure our campus remains safe,” he stated.
He further revealed that the university had established a Committee on Deviant Behaviour to identify, counsel and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities, while warning that students who refused to abandon criminal activities would face disciplinary action and the full weight of the law.
Professor Ogbo also debunked a viral video circulating on social media, describing claims that it showed cult activities on the PAAU campus as false and misleading.
“The viral video is entirely false and should be disregarded. The incident shown in that footage never occurred at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. It happened several years ago in another part of the country and has no connection whatsoever with our institution,” he said.
He urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic and damaging the university’s reputation, while reassuring students, parents and guardians of the institution’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
In separate remarks, the Ogohi of Anyigba, Chief Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, John Urah Ikani, commended the university management for its proactive response to security concerns and pledged continued support for efforts to combat cultism and other criminal activities within the university community.
Watch Video Here:
