Thomas Samuel
@thomassamuel179611
1 year ago

THE SILENT SPATE OF KILLINGS IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES

Insecurity in Nigerian universities is gradually becoming a source of concern. In April of this year, a tragic incident occurred when Desmond, a final-year student at the University of Benin, was shot dead in his room at Hall 3 Hostel by unknown gunmen in what appeared to be a cult-related incident. Similarly, in June, a 20-year-old 200-level student at the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, fell victim to a gruesome stabbing by unknown cult members.

The most recent tragedy is the killing of Atanda Modupe Deborah, a nursing student at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). While the police in Ekiti State have reported the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with her murder, it underscores the persistent threat of cultism on campuses.

Cultism has a dark history in Nigerian universities, a period when these groups operated openly. However, with consistent efforts from both the government and academic institutions, this trend was effectively curtailed. The resurgence of cultist activities on campuses is deeply concerning, as it threatens to disrupt the smooth transmission of knowledge.

Parents are increasingly worried about the safety of sending their children to universities where violence and cult-related activities prevail. The fear of receiving a loved one's body instead of a graduation certificate is a haunting reality. Moreover, this climate of fear erodes students' confidence in pursuing their studies diligently, as they fear the influence of powerful individuals associated with these groups.

Cultism, when allowed to flourish, silences outspoken students and undermines the entire educational system. It is imperative that universities and the government work together to once again put an end to this menace, ensuring that campuses remain safe spaces for learning and personal growth.

Thomas Samuel
Writes from Jalingo
Twitter: #SamT080