April 19, (THEWILL)- An unconfirmed number of persons including a 200-level Computer Science student of Plateau State University, were killed on Thursday night, by gunmen, who attacked Chikam, a community close to the University, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Confirming the attack and death of the student, Yakubu F. Ayube, Registrar, Plateau State University in a statement on Friday, said the Institution has declared a two-day mourning period, from “Friday 19 and Saturday 20 April 2024. Accordingly, all the examinations earlier scheduled for Friday 19 and Saturday 20” April 2024 are hereby suspended.”
The statement reads: “The Plateau State University Community woke up to the sad news of another heartless attack on Chikam, a community close to the university. The sad event led to the loss of a 200-level, computer science student of the University residing in Chikam, by name Dading James Jordan.
“This is coming despite the relentless effort by the Plateau State government, security agencies, the Management of the University and other stakeholders to improve the security situation on our campus and the surrounding communities. Unfortunately, the enemies of the University and the state brought this dastardly attack leading to the loss of our dear student.
“The Vice-Chancellor and the entire management convey their condolences to the family of the deceased, the student body and the university community.
“In view of this sad development, Management has declared a two-day mourning period on Friday 19” and Saturday, April 20, 2024. Accordingly, all the examinations earlier scheduled for Friday 19 and Saturday 20 April 2024 are hereby suspended.
“While calling on our students to remain calm and law-abiding, we wish to call on the security agencies to beef up security around the university in order to secure staff and students as we look into other ways of making the University more secure.”
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has condemned the attack.
Mutfwang in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, called for enhanced security measures.
“Following the tragic attack on Chikam, a community neighbouring Plateau State University Bokkos, which resulted in the loss of a 200-level Computer Science student, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has appealed for calm as security agencies are working to restore normalcy.
“While condemning the attack as barbaric, Governor Mutfwang reassured citizens, particularly students, of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding their lives and property.
“The Governor urged them to remain composed in the face of the tragedy, as the government is determined to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous acts.
“Governor Mutfwang stressed the importance of collaboration among the university management, students, community leaders, and security agencies for enhanced security and the safety of everyone in the area.
“He commended the swift response of security agencies to violent incidents and encouraged them to remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect innocent citizens.
“He stressed the need for community vigilance and cooperation to combat criminal activities and bring perpetrators and their accomplices to justice.
“The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased student and all those affected by the incident, praying for the swift recovery of the injured. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace and security across the state”, Mutfwang said
Also, the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to tackle the “persistent terrorist activities” in Bokkos and Mangu local government areas.
Acting Publicity Secretary of the Party, Shitttu Bamaiyi, in a statement on Friday, appealed for the urgent take-off of the proposed Army barracks in Bokkosto to forestall and checkmate the banditry attacks in the affected areas.
The statement reads: “Following the abetting security challenges in Bokkos and Mangu local government areas, the APC in Plateau State is calling for the quick intervention of President Ahmed Tinubu in tackling the persistent terrorist activities in the affected localities.
“The Party is seriously disturbed over the wanton and persistent destruction of lives and property by terrorists who have now turned the areas into killing fields.
“The security challenges in those areas need a more drastic and aggressive approach in tackling the problem which has seemingly gone out of control.
“In view of the prevailing circumstance, the State government urgently needs the support of President Tinubu to tackle the situation headlong.
“As a matter of urgency, the proposed Army barracks in Bokkos need to take off to forestall and checkmate the banditry attacks in the affected areas.
“The Party calls for concerted efforts by all and sundry in confronting the bandits, irrespective of political differences.
“The APC while sympathising with those that lost their loved ones, prayed for the quick recovery of people that sustained injuries in the attacks.”
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