KEY POINTS
- The university accuses police of enabling local land-grabbers.
- University leadership urges immediate government action to protect campus.
- Police investigate land-grabbing claims after formal university complaint.
On Monday, the University of the Nation in Abara-Etche, Rivers State, expressed alarm about purported land-grabbing activities in the region, claiming they jeopardise the safety and integrity of the university.
University raises alarm over land-grabbing threat
During a news briefing, Moses Salvation, the project manager for the university, claimed that some state police officers might be involved in these actions. According to reports, land grabbers are protected by armed thugs and specific personnel in uniform.
Salvation called for immediate action from the federal and state governments, seeing the encroachment on university property as a significant threat. “These constant attacks are no longer acceptable,” he declared. These elements exhibit a startling lack of respect for the law and seem to be shielded by certain Rivers State Police Command personnel, especially those from the Anti-Cultism Unit. They don’t have any official records to support their land claims.
Punch stated that he called for swift government action to protect the rule of law and emphasized the negative effects of the incursion on staff and students. “The future of innumerable students and employees who depend on the University of the Nation is at risk due to this encroachment, in addition to the property rights of the institution,” he stated.
Officials demand intervention to protect Campus integrity
Salvation called for immediate security measures to protect university land and guarantee that illegal occupiers face legal repercussions, and requested state and federal authorities to look into the land grabbers and any potential police collusion.
“The government must bring any law enforcement officials involved in these crimes accountable in order to safeguard educational institutions. Salvation said, “We will not allow corruption and thuggery to silence us,” urging the public to back the university’s initiatives to defend its property and uphold the law.
According to punch, Police Commissioner Mustapha Mohammed has ordered a quick inquiry into the claims, according to state police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, who was contacted. She urged the university to submit any more information that would help identify the police involved.
Superintendent of Police Iringe-Koko observed that the Anti-Cultism Unit Commander denied any involvement in land-grabbing. “The State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Port Harcourt is investigating the matter,” she stated. “The State CID and the Anti-Cultism Unit have been directed by the Commissioner of Police to begin a joint investigation into the matter right away.”
