Olu Samuel
Two students of the Prince Abubarkar Audu University Ayingba Kogi state have been arrested for the murder of a 300 level Biochemistry student of the institution,Mr David Ocholi Solomon.
This was made known on Saturday when the Vice Chancellor, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo led a delegation to pay a condolence visit to the family of the slain student in Lokoja.
A statement issued on Saturday by the institutions spokesperson,Uredo Omale noted that the two suspects were arrested within two hours of killing Solomon and they have been handed over to the security agencies by the institutions security personnel for further investigation and prosecution.
The Vice Chancellor however vowed to ensure that the suspects faced justice.
“The suspects were arrested by the internal security of the University, and they have been handed over to the law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution.”
“I received news of the unfortunate incident while attending the 35th Annual National Conference and Convention of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) at the University of Ibadan, . This is deeply painful and distressing, as the news plunged the entire University community into mourning.” Professor Ogbo said.
Professor Usman conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the University Management, staff and students to the bereaved family, describing the death as unfortunate, painful and unacceptable.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the family that the University is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident, and that all those found to have played any role, directly or indirectly, would be identified and made to face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that Prince Abubakar Audu University maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism, violence, criminality and all forms of anti-social behaviour capable of endangering the lives and aspirations of students and members of the University community.
He further disclosed that the University had intensified security surveillance and strengthened existing security mechanisms across the campus and its environs to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He assured that further security reform and strategies will be unveiled in the next few days to strengthen the University security architecture.
The Vice-Chancellor further stressed that Management remains fully on top of the security situation and is continually reviewing strategies aimed at ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors.
Professor Usman reassured parents, guardians and members of the public that the University remains committed to providing a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and research, adding that the institution would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to sustain security within and around the campus.
He urged the family to remain strong in this difficult moment and to support ongoing investigations by providing any information that may assist security agencies in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Professor Usman thanked His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his tireless and continued support for the security of lives and property in the University.
He also appreciated the Ogohi-Onuh Anyigba, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government, Hon. John Urah Ikani and all security agencies for their unwavering commitment to peace and security in the University.
Responding on behalf of the family, the father of the deceased student, Mr. Solomon Idachaba, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for the condolence visit, concern and support shown to the family.
He commended the University’s prompt response following the incident and thanked the Management for its commitment to ensuring that justice is served.