Authorities of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, have arrested two students over alleged involvement in cult activities as the institution intensifies efforts to stamp out cultism following the recent killing of a student on campus.
The arrests are part of an ongoing security operation launched by the university management after the murder of a 300-level Biochemistry student, David Solomon, an incident that sparked widespread concern within the institution and prompted renewed action against suspected cult groups.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, disclosed that the two suspects, identified as Fidelis Atuluku and Monday Okolo, were apprehended on campus on Tuesday following intelligence reports received by security personnel.
According to the university spokesperson, both students are 100-level undergraduates in the Department of Social Studies Education and were arrested after being trailed by security operatives based on a tip-off.
Omale said items believed to be charms were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
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She further stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the students allegedly confessed to being members of the notorious Juris Confraternity and admitted that they were initiated into the cult group before securing admission into the university.
“The students were caught in possession of charms and have confessed to being members of the Juris Confraternity. They also admitted they were initiated into the cult before gaining admission into PAAU,” the statement said.
The university management noted that the suspects would be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the development, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Salisu Usman, reiterated the university’s determination to sustain its anti-cultism campaign until criminal activities are completely eradicated from the campus.
The vice-chancellor described the killing of David Solomon as a painful and unacceptable tragedy, stressing that cult-related violence poses a serious threat to the institution’s academic environment and core mission.
He maintained that the university would continue to work closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cultism and other criminal activities.
Usman also appealed to parents and guardians to play a more active role in monitoring their children and wards, warning that young people remain vulnerable to recruitment by cult groups if proper guidance is lacking.
As part of efforts to rehabilitate students willing to abandon cultism, the vice-chancellor disclosed that the institution has begun profiling individuals who voluntarily surrender, sign undertakings and pledge to renounce membership of secret cult groups.
He revealed that the university’s amnesty programme remains open to students willing to embrace lawful conduct and distance themselves from cult-related activities.
According to him, affected students can report to the Office of the Chief Security Officer or the Dean of Student Affairs to take advantage of the initiative.
Usman further announced plans to organise a formal renunciation ceremony for students who publicly denounce cultism and commit to becoming responsible members of the university community.
The vice-chancellor expressed appreciation to security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and concerned members of the public for their support in the ongoing campaign against cultism.
He also urged students to cooperate with university authorities and security personnel in maintaining a peaceful and secure learning environment.
Meanwhile, the university management confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing of David Solomon are still ongoing, adding that surveillance and security measures across the campus have been significantly strengthened to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of students and staff.