Kidnapping: Pro-chancellors, VCs seek deployment of special squad to universities

The Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of Universities in Nigeria have decried the rising cases of kidnapping in tertiary institutions in the country and called on the Federal Government to ensure that a special squad is deployed to all the universities.

They also called on respective owners of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to provide the institutions with funds to construct perimeter fencing in order to address the porous nature of security, while stressing that provision of adequate security in schools across the country must be of topmost priority.

In a joint statement, the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CPCNFU), along with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities (COPSUN) and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), reacted to the attack and kidnapping of six staff and children from University of Abuja, on Tuesday, last week.

The statement made available to newsmen, on Sunday, in Abuja, was signed by Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs, Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, Yusuf Ali, Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities and Professor Samuel Edoumiekumo, Chairman, Committee of vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities.

They appreciated the Federal Government; and all Security Agencies for their prompt tactical response in ensuring the release of the kidnapped victims of the University of Abuja from the unfortunate incident of Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

The statement read in part: “We, however; request that severe measures be put in place to curb future occurrences.

“We sympathise with the families of the victims and the Management of the University of Abuja over this unfortunate incident. Our prayers are with them at this time.

“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 prima 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 or urgency;

“Going forward, to deploy a special squad for university Campuses to work hand in hand with campus security personnel.

“Provide jointly manned roadblocks on inter-city highways adjacent to our institutions of higher learning
Provide our institutions with funds to construct perimeter fencing in order to address the porous nature of security.

“Provide institutions with adequate funds to procure necessary security gadgets that will improve the security architecture of the campuses.

“We urge and reiterate that the sanctity and serenity of the campuses of our educational institutions across the country, where our future generations are being nurtured must be accorded topmost priority,” it said.

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