[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Gunmen, last Thursday, abducted an undisclosed number of students of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
The incident occurred along the Okigwe-Uturu Road, between 7 pm and 8 pm that fateful day when the students were travelling.
The Oracle Today learnt that security agencies in Abia and other neighbouring states have been moblised to secure the release of the abducted students.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Chijioke Nwogu, who confirmed the development in a statement issued Saturday, disclosed that as a result of the incident, ABSU Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Prof. Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, has advised students of the institution to avoid unnecessary travels.
Ogbulu who reportedly received news of the abduction with great shock, has also assured parents/guardians of the abducted students that, with the intervention of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, all necessary security measures have been activated to ensure quick release of the students.
The VC has, therefore, called for calm and advised against unsubstantiated comments that could jeopardize the fight against insecurity in the university environment.
The Statement by the ABSU PRO, Chijioke Nwogu, reads:
“Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, on behalf of the Management, has received with great shock, the abduction incident on Thursday night, March 31, 2022 between 7pm – 8pm, along Okigwe-Uturu road where some ABSU students were involved.
“While this ugly and dastardly act by suspected gunmen is highly regrettable, especially at this moment when the university is trying to resume academic activities, the Vice-Chancellor wishes to assure the parents/guardians of the abducted students that all the security apparatus within and outside the state, through the intervention of the Governor of Abia State and Visitor to the University, Okezie Ikpeazu, is on course to ensure the quick release of the students from their abductors.
“The security of lives and property of both staff and students remains the top priority of the administration, hence the Vice-Chancellor enjoins all to remain calm and avoid unsubstantiated comments that could jeopardize this fight against insecurity within our environment.
“Meanwhile the Vice Chancellor advises students to avoid late and unnecessary movements by all means in order not to put themselves in harm’s way.”