Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellor of federal and state government universities have commended the federal government for prompt rescue of staff of the University of Abuja and children who were abducted last Tuesday by armed bandits at the institution’s staff quarters.
They, however,requested that severe measures be put in place to curb future occurrences.
In a joint press statement,signed by Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs,Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities,Yusuf Ali,Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities and Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo,Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, respectively,and released to the media,they noted “with serious concern that similar incidents had occurred in the past at the University of Maiduguri, Greenfield University, Kaduna, Joseph S.
Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and numerous secondary and primary schools across the country.”
They advised the government to henceforth,”Provide jointly manned roadblocks on inter-city highways adjacent to our institutions of higher learning, .and provide our institutions with funds to construct perimeter fencing in order to address the porous nature of security.”
The statement,tagged:”Incidences of Kidnapping in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions”,read in full:”The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CPCNFU) along with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities (COPSUN) and the Committee of Vice-Chancellars of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) appreciates the Federal Government; and all Security Agencies for their prompt tactical response in ensuring the release of the kidnapped victims of University of Abuja from the unfortunate incident of Tuesday 2 November 2021.
“We however; request that severe measures be put in place to curb future occurrences.
“We sympathize with the families of the victims and the Management of University of Abuja over this unfortunate incident. Our prayers are with them at this time. More importantly, we call on their abductors to effect the immediate and safe return of all the affected persons.
“We note with serious concern that similar incidents had occurred in the past at the University of Maiduguri, Greenfield Univers ty, Kaduna, Joseph S.
Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and numerous secondary and primary schools across the country.
“Sadly, a number of staff and students have lost their lives while the traumatic experiences of some others in the kidnappers’ den could only be best Imagined.
“It is obvious that our education institutions have become soft and prima targets for the nefarious activities of these bandits. It is in view of this development that we hereby call on the Federal government to as a matter or urgency;
. “Going forward, to deploy a special squad for university Campuses to work hand in hand with campus security personnel.
“Provide jointly manned roadblocks on inter-city highways adjacent to our institutions of higher learning Provide our institutions with funds to construct perimeter fencing in order to address the porous nature of security.
“Provide institutions with adequate funds to procure necessary security gadgets that will improve the security architecture of the campuses.
“We urge and reiterate that the sanctity and serenity of the campuses of our educational Institutions across the country, where our future generations are being nurtured must be accorded topmost priority.”
-Vanguard
