An Akwa Ibom born legal practitioner, Barr. Edikan Ekanem, has petitioned the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Enefiok Essien, over the recent security breaches in various campuses of the Institution.
Recall that gunmen suspected to be armed robbers, recently invaded female hostel (W6) of the University Town Campus on Wednesday 31st July 2019, carting away undisclosed sums, phones, laptops and other valuables belonging to the students.
The incident was preceded by an earlier attack on the female students by unidentified persons in the hostels which was confirmed by Akwa Ibom state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon.
Reacting, the Lawyer, in a four paged petition addressed to the Vice Chancellor, noted that students in the university have become preys to deadly predators who harass, robe, and injure them.
Apart from the routine attacks in the hostels, the lawman said students were also attacked at various Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points in the school.
He described as unimpressive, the institution’s security situation, saying it does not encourage students to seek accommodation in the hostels.
“It has never been this bad to the extent that students at their own instance and peril embark on protest to ventilate their misgivings and grievances in opposition to insecurity trend in the campus. Our students who double as citizens of the country cannot continue suffering from this predicament. Their constitutional rights must be safeguarded accordingly, especially, in the university community”, he said.
Ekanem said beyond the loss of valuables and emotional trauma sustained by the students, the image and prestige of the Institution has been jeopardised.
He added that the university community has turned a death trap to her students and den of criminals, and called on the Institution’s management, which he said is established under the extant laws, to salvage the worrisome situation.
He urged the Vice Chancellor to take decisive actions to combat the menace, maintaining that if not immediately salvaged, the situation may deter applicants from seeking admission in the institution.
By Uwakmfon Dan
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