By Amos Aar
THE HEAD, Information, Publications, and Public Relations Unit of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Mr James Onogwu, who had earlier tagged ‘fake’ a news report by National Record regarding the panic and commotion amongst students following rumours of an impending attack on the host community and the institution, has been forced to eat the humble pie by not only confirming the report to be true but also providing further details a few hours after he insulted the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper.
Addressing concerns raised in the report by National Record, Onogwu’s confirmation came in a press release he signed stating that “an unfortunate incident involving suspected armed Fulani herdsmen occurred in a village” near FUHSO’s host community of Otada, there was no direct threat to the university.
While, in a still contradictory tone stating that there was no panic in the institution, he again narrated that the incident drew the immediate attention of FUHSO’s acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Stephen Obekpa Abah, on Wednesday night; a situation eloquently captured in National Record’s report which Onogwu had Thursday afternoon described as ‘fake’ in a phone conversation with Mr Iduh Onah, the publication’s Editor-in-Chief.
In the press release, entitled: “No Cause for Alarm: University Management Assures Students and Staff of Safety,” Onogwu disclosed that an attack was reported in Otada, FUHSO’s host community, leading to panic among students.
However, he emphasised that “the situation is fully under control, and there is absolutely no need for panic,”
The statement reads:
“The Management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), wishes to assure the University community that there is no impending threat to the institution from Fulani herdsmen or any other group. The situation is fully under control, and there is absolutely no need for panic.
“It was reported that an unfortunate incident involving suspected armed Fulani herdsmen occurred in a village near Akpachi, one of the communities close to the Otada campus. However, we want to categorically state that this incident poses no direct threat to the University or its environs.
“Demonstrating proactive leadership and swift response, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen Obekpa Abah, in collaboration with the Area Commander of the Otukpo Police Command, S.D. Ogenyi, and his team of armed personnel, arrived at the Otada campus at approximately 8:00 PM of Wednesday night.
“Their immediate presence was to assess the security situation, firsthand information and reassure the University community of their safety.
“Professor Abah, alongside the security operatives, conducted an extensive patrol of the hostels before addressing the students in front of Ziggy Hostel.
“He firmly assured them that there is no cause for concern, as security agents are fully on top of the situation [sic].
“Additionally, our internal security team, under the leadership of the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Michael Anebi, has been working closely with external security operatives to ensure round-the-clock surveillance and protection of lives and property within the university.
“The University urges all students and staff to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while going about their daily activities.
“We appreciate the cooperation and trust of the university community in our commitment to ensuring their safety at all times.
“For further information, kindly reach out to the Information, Publications, and Public Relations Unit (IPPRU), FUHSO.”
