PAAU VC Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo Boosts Campus Security with Patrol Vehicles, Declares Zero Tolerance for Cultism
Prince Abubakar Audu University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, has strengthened campus security with the donation of patrol vehicles, unveiled new anti-cultism measures, and dismissed a viral cultism video as false.
ANYIGBA
The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has intensified its campaign against cultism and other criminal activities with a fresh package of proactive security measures, including the donation of operational vehicles to security agencies and the establishment of structures aimed at preventing crime on campus.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, announced the measures during a stakeholders’ security meeting convened at the university following the recent killing of Mr. David Ocholi Solomon, a 300-level Biochemistry student, who was allegedly murdered by suspected cultists.
The security meeting brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, commercial motorcycle operators and other stakeholders to review the institution’s security architecture and strengthen collaboration in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
Addressing participants, Prof. Ogbo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment conducive to teaching, learning and research, stressing that the institution would continue to stay ahead of security threats through preventive measures rather than reactive responses.
As part of efforts to reinforce security operations, the Vice-Chancellor donated two operational vehicles to security agencies. He explained that one of the vehicles has been dedicated specifically to anti-cultism operations, while the second would enhance routine security patrols within the university and neighbouring communities.
According to him, the intervention is intended to improve the operational capacity of security personnel and ensure swift responses to any security challenge.
“We do not wait for security situations to escalate before taking action. Our administration is committed to proactive security measures that protect lives, property and the integrity of this institution,” Prof. Ogbo said.
He commended the support of the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, noting that the administration has remained supportive of efforts to strengthen security across educational institutions in the state.
The Vice-Chancellor clarified that assigning a patrol vehicle to anti-cultism operations should not be misconstrued as evidence of a resurgence of cult activities within the university.
He maintained that while isolated criminal elements may attempt to infiltrate the institution, the university, in partnership with security agencies and members of the host community, remains fully prepared to prevent such activities from taking root.
Prof. Ogbo also disclosed that the university has established a Committee on Deviant Behaviour to identify, counsel and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social conduct.
He explained that the committee is designed to provide an opportunity for students willing to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible behaviour, stressing that the university’s responsibility extends beyond discipline to character formation and rehabilitation.
However, he warned that any student who refuses to abandon criminal activities would face appropriate disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Before any student graduates from this university, he or she must be found worthy both in learning and in character. Those who choose the path of criminality should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating on social media which purportedly linked cult activities to the university.
According to him, investigations confirmed that the footage did not originate from Prince Abubakar Audu University or Kogi State.
He explained that the video was recorded several years ago in another part of the country and has no connection with the institution.
Prof. Ogbo urged members of the public to disregard the misleading content and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and damaging the reputation of the university.
He reassured students, parents and guardians that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority of the university management, adding that collaboration with security agencies and the host community would continue to be strengthened to eliminate every form of criminality.
In separate remarks, the Ogohi of Anyigba, Chief Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, commended the university management for taking decisive steps to improve security on campus.
They pledged the continued support of the traditional institution and the local government in assisting security agencies to combat cultism, criminality and other security threats within the university community.
Participants at the meeting unanimously agreed that sustained collaboration among the university, security agencies, traditional institutions and host communities remains critical to preserving peace, safeguarding students and maintaining an environment that promotes academic excellence.