The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, has reacted to the gunmen’s attacks on the university’s Giri staff quarters where a professor and at least six others were abducted.
WITHIN NIGERIA had earlier reported that gunmen stormed the quarters around 1am, picking a Professor of Economics, Obansa Joseph, his children and some other people.
Reacting to the invasion and kidnap, Na’Allah stated that anyone who would access the Giri Staff Quarters, must henceforth wear an Identity Card, while noting that efforts were ongoing to recover the abductees.
“They brought their devastation to our Giri quarters and we are pursuing them with all it takes to recover our dearest ones they kidnapped. Our nation is definitely bleeding and this is too close home for us. Please pray hard for God’s intervention. One thing is certain, we shall continue to mobilise everything available to us to protect staff and students and ensure this never happens again.
“From now on, it is compulsory for staff and students to wear their official UniAbuja ID cards when entering any of our campuses including the Giri Quarters. The Safety Unit has my instruction to turn anyone back who cannot explain their mission on our campus, quarters or any UniAbuja branch even if they claim to be staff or students. Only University ID card worn on them is a guarantee for entry. We shall overcome,” Na’Allah said.
The university’s spokesman, Habib Yakoob, who earlier confirmed the development, said the victims were about six in number.
“Yes, I just confirmed that the information is true. Apart from the professor and his children, a non-academic staffer was also involved. They are about six victims,” Yakoob had said.
“They are on their trail,” the spokesman said on the phone.