The Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul- Rasheed Na’Allah, has appealed to the federal government to protect the university from bandits, whom, he said, were encroaching on its land and trying to take it over.
Professor Na’Allah made the appeal when he hosted the Director, Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory, Muktar Galadima, in his office, a statement signed by the Head, Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, said on Wednesday.
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This is even as the Prof Na’allah expressed gratitude to the federal government for approving about N400 million to enable the University to erect a fence, adding that his administration would embark on the project between now and December.
He said the encroachment by the bandits and erection of illegal structures were not only preventing his administration from carrying out developmental projects on campus but posing security threats to students and staff.
“The truth is that this great university of ours is in trouble right now.
“I say this because we have all sorts of people who are living on the campus, who are using the land without respect for the environment.
“It is worse now because bandits are coming in and taking over land both within staff residences and outside,” he said.
He further said: “Our students are being attacked; we are living in fear of the bandits.
“Some of the indigenes gave land to these bandits without really knowing them. Some don’t even ask for permission, they just take over.
“I can tell you that on many occasions, we have had clashes.”
Prof Na’Allah said failure to act now, “The future will never forgive us.
“This is serious and dangerous and that is why we are appealing to the Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello, to assist us.”
He decried the constant demand for money by “These people who encroach on our land” whenever the university attempts to use its land for developmental projects.
Responding, Galadima, said there was the need to follow due process in removing the structures and that the rate of squatting, encroachment and invasion was beyond his office and has to be done along with the FCT administration.
