The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has pledged that justice will be served following the killing of Mr. David Ocholi Solomon, a 300-level Biochemistry student of the institution.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family in Lokoja on Friday, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that two suspects were apprehended by the University’s internal security team within two hours of the incident and subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Professor Usman explained that he received news of the tragic incident while attending the 35th Annual National Conference and Convention of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) at the University of Ibadan. He described the development as heartbreaking, noting that it threw the entire university community into mourning.
He conveyed the sympathies of the University Management, staff and students to the bereaved family, describing the student’s death as painful, unfortunate and unacceptable.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the family that the University is working closely with security agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation, stressing that anyone found to have been involved in the incident, directly or indirectly, would be brought to justice.
Reaffirming the institution’s stance against criminal activities, Professor Usman emphasized that PAAU maintains zero tolerance for cultism, violence, criminality and other forms of anti-social behaviour that threaten the safety and future of students and members of the university community.
He revealed that security surveillance has been intensified across the campus and surrounding areas, while existing security measures have been strengthened to prevent similar occurrences. He added that additional security reforms and strategies would be introduced in the coming days to further enhance the university’s security framework.
According to him, the Management remains vigilant and is continually reviewing security strategies to guarantee the safety of students, staff and visitors.
Professor Usman also reassured parents, guardians and the general public of the University’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful, secure and conducive environment for teaching, learning and research. He noted that the institution would continue collaborating with relevant security agencies to sustain security within and around the campus.
He urged the family of the deceased to remain strong during the difficult period and to support ongoing investigations by sharing any information that could assist security operatives in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support towards safeguarding lives and property within the University community. He also commended the Ogohi-Onuh of Anyigba, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government, Hon. John Urah Ikani, and security agencies for their dedication to maintaining peace and security in the area.
Responding on behalf of the family, the father of the deceased student, Mr. Solomon Idachaba, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their condolence visit and the support extended to the family during the difficult time.
