The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured the family of slain student David Ocholi Solomon that the two suspects arrested in connection with his death will face justice.
Professor Usman gave the assurance on Friday during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased 300-level Biochemistry student at their residence in Lokoja.
This was contained in a statement signed by the school Public Relations Officer Uredo Omale, a copy which was made available to TRIBUNE ONLINE on Saturday.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the suspects were apprehended by the university’s internal security team within two hours of the incident and have since been handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
He explained that he received news of the tragic incident while attending the 35th Annual National Conference and Convention of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) at the University of Ibadan, describing the development as shocking and deeply painful.
The Vice-Chancellor conveyed the condolences of the university management, staff and students to the bereaved family, noting that the unfortunate incident had thrown the entire university community into mourning.
Professor Usman assured the family that the institution is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation, adding that anyone found to have played any role in the student’s death would be brought to justice.
He reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, violence, criminality and other anti-social activities capable of threatening the safety and wellbeing of members of the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the institution has intensified surveillance and strengthened security measures across the campus and surrounding areas to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
According to him, additional security reforms and strategies will be unveiled in the coming days as part of efforts to further strengthen the university’s security architecture.
He also reassured parents, guardians and members of the public that PAAU remains committed to providing a safe, peaceful and conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
Professor Usman urged the deceased student’s family to remain strong during the difficult period and support ongoing investigations by providing any information that could assist security agencies in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support toward safeguarding lives and property within the university community.
He further commended the Ogohi-Onu of Anyigba, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, and security agencies for their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the area.
Responding on behalf of the family, the father of the deceased student, Mr. Solomon Idachaba, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for the condolence visit and the support extended to the family.
He also praised the institution’s swift response following the incident and expressed confidence in its commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
