- Debnnks viral video suggesting a resurgence of cult activities on the campus
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo, has disclosed that the university had established a Committee on Deviant Behaviour to identify, counsel and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the university, Professor Usman said the institution was determined to sustain a safe and secure learning environment through proactive collaboration with security agencies and the host community.
He, however, warned that students who refused to abandon criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
“The committee is designed to engage students whose conduct falls below the acceptable standards of the university. We have given such individuals the opportunity to renounce their membership of unlawful groups and embrace positive values. As an institution of learning, our responsibility is not only to discipline but also to reform and reintegrate those who are genuinely willing to change.
“Before any student graduates from this university, he or she must be found worthy in both learning and character. We will continue to ensure that our graduates uphold these values. Anyone who chooses to remain recalcitrant should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. The law will certainly catch up with them,” he warned.
At the stakeholders’ security meeting, the Vice Chancellor unveiled fresh measures to combat cultism and other criminal activities on campus with the donation of two operational vehicles to security agencies.
The initiative follows the recent killing of Mr. David Ocholi Solomon, a 300-level Biochemistry student of the institution, who was allegedly murdered by suspected cultists.
The meeting brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, commercial motorcycle operators, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to strengthen the university’s security architecture and enhance intelligence gathering.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that one of the newly donated vehicles had been specifically designated for anti-cultism operations, while the second would support general security patrols across the university and its surrounding communities.
“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.
Professor Ogbo commended the support of the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, noting that the vehicles would significantly improve the operational capacity of security agencies in responding to criminal activities.
“One of these vehicles has been specifically assigned to tackle cultism. This should not be interpreted to mean that cultism has returned to the university. 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 that our campus remains safe,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also dismissed reports suggesting a resurgence of cult activities on the campus, describing a viral video circulating on social media as false and misleading.
According to him, the video, which purportedly showed members of a cult group conducting activities on the university campus, including the burial of a deceased member, did not originate from Prince Abubakar Audu University or Kogi State.
“The viral video is entirely false and should be disregarded by the public. 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. We urge members of the public to refrain from spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic and damaging the reputation of the university,” Professor Ogbo said.
He reassured students, parents and guardians that the university remained committed to guaranteeing the safety of lives and property and would continue to strengthen its partnership with security agencies to eliminate all forms of criminality.
In their 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 taking decisive steps to improve security.
They pledged the continued support of the traditional institution and the local government in assisting security agencies to combat cultism and other criminal activities within the university community.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed that sustained collaboration between the university, security agencies and the host community remains essential to preserving peace, protecting students and ensuring an environment conducive to academic excellence.
