The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has raised concerns that the security threat facing the institution could extend beyond the campus if those responsible for the recent incident are not apprehended.
The incident followed the abduction of five students from an off-campus hostel by gunmen.
The university management has held internal conversations on the matter, and the VC said the issue is expected to be formally raised and discussed with relevant stakeholders. He noted that the institution is prioritising arrangements relating to student safety.
In a video address, he explained that the matter had already been identified for attention in upcoming engagements.
He stated, “Having our conversation on Friday and Saturday, we are very sure that this issue will be raised, discussed.
“Hopefully we’re expecting the visitor and I can tell you that there’s no way the visitor will see all these things that are happening that will not consider your place. So that’s what I want. I want to advise you right now our priority should be how we can secure these students.”
The Vice Chancellor said the university had suspended lectures temporarily and advised those who could safely leave certain locations to do so.
He added that efforts should remain focused and coordinated.
He said, “That should be our priority. Let’s not dissipate our energy, let us put our efforts together. If you get information, you have information, those who are there that can pull out now, let them pull out because there will be no lecture. Do you understand me?”
He noted that the institution would continue to engage government officials as part of the response.
According to him, the government has put mechanisms in place to address students’ concerns.
Prof Zeb-Obipi also said the school was working to facilitate the safe return of students who might still be in affected areas, adding that the individuals responsible for the incident would be pursued through the proper channels.
“Okay and then three that right now we’re going to concentrate efforts to ensure that we get our students that are not up safely back then fourthly those who engage in this evil must be caught. We’ll pursue them. We check them till we get them so you can,” he said.
He further noted that incidents of this nature could create opportunities for criminal activity if not addressed promptly, and urged caution.
He added that failure to address such actions could have broader implications for the surrounding community.
He said: “The entire community could be unsafe because if this is not checked, then you are sure that those who perpetrated this action will be encouraged.”
Prof Zeb-Obipi concluded by saying that steps would be taken to ensure the perpetrators face appropriate consequences.
He stated, “The tendency is a motivation to do more. Am I correct? We will ensure those who perpetrated this evil are caught and brought to book.”
SaharaReporters earlier reported that gunmen invaded an off-campus residence in Rumuchi/Rumuohia, Emuoha, shooting sporadically before abducting five students.
The incident triggered a protest by some students, who marched to the VC’s office to express their displeasure and the distress suffered by their colleagues.
This is the second time students of the Emuoha campus of Rivers State University would be protesting over criminal attacks and harassment in the area.
The university currently operates four satellite campuses, Emuoha, Etche, Ahoada and Sakpenwa, approved during the immediate past administration of Nyesom Wike.
Leave a Reply