The Federal University of Lafia, located in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, has reported progress in addressing insecurity issues affecting student communities. According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, the university has achieved this through collaboration with state security agencies. This partnership has led to a significant reduction in crime in the Mararaba and Akunza communities, which are home to thousands of students.
The university's efforts to enhance security involved engaging with various security agencies, including the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and the military. Prof. Kida stated that the university also recruited about 200 volunteer hunters and vigilantes to provide security assistance and gather intelligence for prompt action by professional security agencies. These combined efforts have greatly contributed to tackling security challenges in the area.
Prof. Kida emphasized the importance of partnering with journalists in the state to expose criminal elements involved in kidnapping and cultism. He solicited support from the media in the fight against insecurity, citing the devastating impact on students and their families. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to address the recurring security issues affecting communities around the university.
The university has taken a proactive approach to securing its surrounding communities. Prof. Kida revealed that he has met with virtually all the communities where students' quarters are situated. The university has hired over 150 vigilantes and nearly 50 hunters, who are on its payroll and receive stipends. These efforts have contributed significantly to reducing insecurity in the area.
Protecting students and staff from insecurity is a top priority for the university. Prof. Kida stressed that incidents of banditry, cultism, and other criminal activities will not be tolerated during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor. The university's commitment to providing a secure environment for its students and staff is evident in its sustained efforts to address security concerns.
The Vice-Chancellor's engagement with journalists and the local community is part of a broader strategy to address insecurity. By partnering with stakeholders, the university aims to create a safer environment for its students and staff. This collaborative approach has yielded positive results, with a notable reduction in crime in the affected communities.
The Federal University of Lafia will continue to prioritize security and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment. The university's efforts serve as a model for other institutions facing similar security challenges. With sustained collaboration and commitment, the university is confident in its ability to maintain a secure environment for its students and staff.
Key points
- The Federal University of Lafia has made significant gains in reducing kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes in surrounding student communities through collaboration with security agencies.
