Rivers State University Suspends Lectures After Abduction of Five Students
Rivers State University Suspends Lectures After Abduction of Five Students
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International
Rivers State University (RSU) in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt has temporarily suspended lectures following the abduction of five students from an off-campus hostel in Emuoha Local Government Area by armed gunmen.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has triggered fear among the student community and resulted in campus shutdown measures as authorities intensify security efforts.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers invaded the private hostel at night, shooting sporadically before abducting the students. The raid sent shockwaves across the university environment, prompting immediate emergency consultations within the school management.
University Reacts
In a video address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, confirmed the incident and announced a suspension of lectures. He urged students living in highly vulnerable locations to relocate until security agencies stabilize the situation.
The VC also disclosed that the issue will be tabled before relevant government stakeholders, noting that the institution’s priority is the safety of students and the recovery of the abducted colleagues.
He cautioned against panic, while emphasizing the need for all community members to share credible information that can assist security efforts.
Growing Concerns
The abduction has sparked protests within the institution, with students expressing frustration over repeated security breaches around the Emuoha campus area. This is the second major incident in recent months affecting RSU students and exposing the vulnerabilities of learning environments across the country.
Security agencies have begun coordinated operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted students, while the university continues to engage with government authorities.
Editorial by Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
A Wake-Up Call to Protect Nigeria’s Students
The suspension of lectures at Rivers State University following the abduction of five students is a sad commentary on the growing insecurity threatening Nigeria’s educational system. When a university campus becomes a target for gunmen, then the line between a place of knowledge and a zone of fear becomes dangerously blurred.
Students are our national treasury— their dreams, their ambitions, and their minds represent the hope and future of Nigeria. When violence chases them out of classrooms, Nigeria pays a very heavy price.
This incident must not be treated as just another headline. It is a reminder that security gaps around campuses are widening, and criminals are capitalizing on weak surveillance, poor intelligence, and unprotected learning environments.
It is time for the government, security agencies, university authorities, and local communities to collaborate on a comprehensive safety strategy:
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Strengthened campus security networks
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Government-backed safe school programs
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Rapid response units trained for student-related emergencies
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Community intelligence sharing
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Immediate psychosocial support for affected students and families
Education is the foundation of national development. If students cannot learn without fear, then our future is under threat.
Rivers State University must receive all necessary support to bring back the abducted students and restore confidence in campus security. No parent should send a child to university and fear they may never return. No young mind should abandon a degree because danger lives closer than the classroom.
Our nation must act— and act now.
Global Egberi Media International
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