Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State has stepped up efforts to secure its campus and host community with the deployment of two branded operational vehicles to support security agencies in combating cultism and other related crimes.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, disclosed this on Monday during an Expanded Security Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the University Council Chamber.
The meeting brought together members of the university community, security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to review and strengthen security strategies.
The Vice-Chancellor described the initiative as part of deliberate measures by the university management to reinforce safety and sustain a peaceful academic environment for staff, students and residents of the host community.
He emphasized that collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions remains central to the institution’s security framework.
According to him, one of the vehicles has been assigned to the Joint Security and Anti-Cultism Squad to intensify operations against cult-related activities, while the second will enhance routine patrols within the campus and surrounding areas.
Prof. Usman also revealed that the University Management Committee, at its 403rd meeting, approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to strengthen internal discipline and ensure strict enforcement of institutional regulations.
In a further move to address anti-social behaviour in the institution, the Vice-Chancellor announced the establishment of a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation.
The committee, he said, will focus on identifying, counselling and rehabilitating students involved in cultism and other social vices, offering them an opportunity to reform, while warning that persistent offenders would face legal consequences.
He dismissed as false a viral video linking cult activities to the university, clarifying that the incident neither occurred within the institution nor in Kogi State, and described the content as misleading and intended to incite panic.
Reaffirming the institution’s commitment to safety, the Vice-Chancellor assured parents and guardians that the university would continue to strengthen partnerships with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Prof. Usman commended the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his sustained support towards enhancing security in the university.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, noting that his mentorship had positively influenced the institution’s peaceful academic atmosphere.
In their remarks, the Ogohi Onu-Anyigba, HRH Alhaji Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, lauded the university management for its proactive approach and pledged continued support to maintain peace and security.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including heads of security agencies and community representatives, unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the university’s drive to ensure a safe environment for teaching, learning and research.