The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured the family of the late David Ocholi Solomon that justice will be served over the circumstances surrounding his death, following the arrest of two suspects linked to the incident.
Professor Usman gave the assurance on Friday during a condolence visit to the residence of the deceased 300-level Biochemistry student in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, and made available to journalists on Saturday.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the suspects were apprehended within two hours of the incident by the institution’s internal security personnel and subsequently handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
He described the incident as shocking and deeply painful, noting that he received the news while attending the 35th Annual National Conference and Convention of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) at the University of Ibadan.
Professor Usman conveyed the condolences of the university management, staff, and students to the bereaved family, stating that the tragedy had thrown the entire university community into mourning.
He assured that PAAU was working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Reiterating the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism, violence, and other forms of criminal behaviour, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that the university would not condone any act capable of undermining the safety of students and staff.
He further disclosed that security measures across the campus and surrounding communities had been intensified, with additional reforms set to be introduced in the coming days to strengthen the institution’s security architecture.
Professor Usman reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe, peaceful, and conducive environment for academic activities, urging parents and guardians to remain confident in the institution’s handling of the situation.
He also appealed to the bereaved family to remain strong and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support in ensuring security within the university environment, as well as traditional and local leaders, including the Ogohi-Onu of Anyigba, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, for their roles in maintaining peace.
In his response, the father of the deceased, Mr. Solomon Idachaba, expressed appreciation to the university management for the condolence visit and swift response following the incident.
He commended the institution’s efforts so far and expressed confidence that justice would be achieved in due course.
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