Kogi varsity disowns viral video cultism video

By Richard Elesho

The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, Anyigba, Kogi State, has urged members of the public to disregard a viral video circulating on social media that linked cult activities to the institution, clarifying that the incident neither happened on its campus nor in the State.

Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman described the video as misleading and malicious, circulated with the intention of creating unnecessary panic.

Ogbo, who made the clarification at an expanded stakeholders’ security engagement on Monday 29 June also announced the donation of two security vehicles to strengthen the school’s security architecture and reposition it in the fight against cultism.

In a statement, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, Mrs. Omale Ufedo said the meeting was attended by members of the university community, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders.

“Prof. Usman stressed that two operational vehicles were purchased as part of the university’s deliberate efforts to stamp out criminal activities, including cult-related activities and other social vices within and around the university community.

“He added that one of the vehicles had been dedicated to anti-cultism operations (Joint Security & Anti – Cultism Squad) whilst the second would strengthen routine security patrols within the University and its environs (Security Patrol Team).

“He disclosed further that, at its 403rd Meeting, the University Management Committee (UMC) approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to strengthen discipline and ensure the effective enforcement of the University’s rules and regulations.

“Prof. Usman also announced the establishment of a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation to identify, counsel, and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities.

“He noted that the initiative would provide an opportunity for affected students to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible conduct, warning that those who refused to desist from criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law.

“The Vice-Chancellor reassured students, parents and guardians of the University’s unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property, adding that the institution would continue to strengthen its partnership with security agencies to eliminate all forms of criminality.

Prof. Usman expressed profound appreciation to the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for their support, dedication and commitment to strengthening the University’s security architecture.

In their separate remarks, the Ogohi Onu-Anyigba, HRH, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani commended the University’s Management for its proactive approach to security and pledged their continued support towards sustaining peace and safety within the university community.