By Ahmed Ahmed
The Young Leaders Network has condemned the killing of 500500-leveludent of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi at Yelwa.
It will be recalled that Mr. JoMrh Agabaidu, a 500-level student of Geology, was stabbed by a robbery gang on Saturday evening at about 7:00 pm in Yelwa Tudu, a community less than a kilometer from the ATBU Yelwa Campus.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Seun Justin Onarinde,
Executive Director of the Network Made available to Journalists on Tuesday.
“This attack no doubt is one of the numerous others suffered by the University communities and residents within the State metropolis.
“This incident also revealed the porosity of security of lives and properties in the metropolis that hosts about three Tertiary Institutions (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Federal Polytechnics Bauchi, and College of Agriculture, Bauchi,” It’s said
The Young Leaders Network condemns in its entirety the evil act of taking one’s life as perpetrated against a promising final-year student, a great asset to the nation and a pillar to his family.
“We, therefore, call on law enforcement agencies especially the Nigerian Police Force to double up the efforts to curb the activities of violent and extremist gangs that have gained a new occupation of breaking into people’s homes, harming, and destroying properties of innocent residents and students,
“We hope the perpetrators of this evil act are found and brought to book. We also call for improved coordination among the State’s security agencies (Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC, etc),
“Local security groups, and the management of the Tertiary Institutions to ensure the safety of all students and staff of the Tertiary Institutions. We are all custodians in the security of our students who left their homes to reside in our communities,” he said..
The Network strongly condemns the response of the management of ATBU to the protest staged by the aggrieved students in response not only to the killing but to the attack of other students in the host communities.
It may be recalled that yesterday, the University released a memo directing the students to vacate both campuses of the university with immediate effect.
The YLN believes strongly that a reputable institution like ATBU should be considerate of the safety and security of the thousands of students they sent from the hostel.
“Many of whom travelled far and near without relatives to stay with. The school also understands the financial state of the students who couldn’t afford hotel accommodation for the one week of lectures.
“The action of dismissing students impromptu has brought untold hardships on both students and their parents while also exposing them to danger.
The statement added that the University is reminded that the welfare of every student, especially as regards their safety and security, is an important responsibility they must uphold.
“Dialogues and partnerships with security officials to secure both school hostels, properties, and roads should have been explored to keep the students safe within the hostels.
“We also urge the University leadership to consider visiting the host communities and the law enforcement agencies for strategic partnership on the promotion of peace, law, and order in the metropolis.
The Network conveys her heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and prays that his soul finds rest.