Students of the Federal University Lokoja are believed to be living in constant fear of attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper showed that the university, in its 10 years of existence, has not been able to build hostels on the campus, located at the dangerous Felele quarters, for the students that are interested in living on campus.
It was gathered that shylock landlords have since taken advantage of such lack of hostels on the campus to build houses around Living Faith Church in Lokoja, which is immediately outside the campus for the students to rent.
It was gathered that there is no form of security arrangement for the students that are living off-campus, thereby making them highly vulnerable to all manner of criminal activities.
One of such attacks came in the early hours of June 14, when some armed men stormed the houses of the students with dangerous weapons and inflicted various degree of injuries on them after collecting, on gunpoint, their valuables, including laptops, handheld phones and bags.
One of the victims, Eneji Mathew Omadivi was badly bruised and had to be rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
A member of the Kogi Central Media Practitioners Association (KOCEMPA), Prince Emma Omadivi, whose son was so injured regretted the I-don’t-care attitude of the universe authority and the security agents to the proper security of the students.
He asked: ” what can the media do to stem the tide in Kogi State, a State that prides itself as one of the safest in Nigeria?”
Omadivi is not happy that authorities take delight in waiting for unexpected to happen before actions are taken, adding: “this is what PR refers to as fire brigade exercise. “Today I am affected, tomorrow may be you or another person.
“Let’s task the university to do something about accommodation on campus, while also urging the Police and other security agencies to live up to expectations.”
Omadivi confirmed that reports of the attacks have been made to the Police in Lokoja, saying: “we are waiting to see the outcome of their investigation.”
He however suggested a Security Summit to be held by relevant stakeholders to draw the attention of the government “to this evil.
” It could be a summit to be organized by KOCEMPA and security agencies with some funding that may increase the purse of the Association or NUJ and security agencies in the State.”
