Abductions: Varsity Pro-chancellors seek deployment of special squad

Following the series of abductions in Nigeria’s higher institutions, the Committees of Pro-chancellors have called on the federal government to deploy special squads to universities across the country.

The Committees of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CPCNFU), Pro-Chancellors of State Universities (COPSUN) and Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) applauded the federal government and all security agencies for their prompt tactical response in ensuring the release of University of Abuja abducted victims

They further requested that severe measures be put in place to curb future occurrences.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of CPCNFU, Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs, Chairman of COPSUN, Yusuf Ali and Chairman of CVCNU, Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo, the Committees urged the government to as a matter or urgency: “Deploy a special squad for university campuses to work hand in hand with campus security personnel.“

The Stakeholders also jointly requested manned roadblocks on inter-city highways adjacent to the institutions of higher learning as well as providing institutions in Nigeria with funds to construct perimeter fencing in order to address the porous nature of security.

According to the Committees, “We note 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.

“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 educational institutions have become soft and prime 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 of urgency; going forward, deploy a special squad for university campuses to work hand in hand with campus security personnel. Provide institutions with adequate funds to procure necessary security gadgets that will improve the security architecture of the campuses,” the statement read in part.

The Committees however reiterated that the sanctity and serenity of the campuses of educational institutions across Nigeria must be nurtured and accorded topmost priority.

PIAK