Student’s Killing: Kogi varsity arrests two more suspected cultists

The authorities of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has intensified its anti-cultism campaign with the arrest of two additional suspected cult members.

The institution continues its crackdown following the murder of 300-level biochemistry student David Solomon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Solomon was murdered on June 11, within the university environment.

In a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, Uredo Omale, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of PAAU, said the arrests were part of the ongoing efforts to restore peace after the tragic killing of the 300-level student.

According to her, the suspects, Fidelis Atuluku and Monday Okolo, both 100-level students of the Department of Social Studies/Education, were trailed and arrested on campus on Tuesday, based on a tip-off.

“They were caught in possession of charms and have confessed to being members of the Juris Confraternity.

“The students also admitted they were initiated into the cult before gaining admission into PAAU.

“The suspects will be handed over to appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Usman, reaffirmed the university’s resolve to sustain its war against cultism and criminality until sanity is restored.

Usman described the killing of Solomon as painful and unacceptable, stressing that cult-related violence threatened the university’s academic mission.

He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and guide them on the company they keep to prevent recruitment into cult groups.

The VC also disclosed that the university has commenced profiling of cult members who voluntarily surrender, sign undertakings, and pledge to denounce membership.

He said the amnesty window remained open for willing members to report to the Office of the Chief Security Officer or the Dean of Student Affairs.

He added that a formal renunciation ceremony would soon be organised for those ready to publicly renounce cultism and embrace lawful conduct on campus.

The VC thanked security agencies, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and concerned individuals for their support in the fight against cultism.

He encouraged students to cooperate with management to maintain a peaceful, secure, and conducive learning environment.

The university management assured that investigations into the murder of Solomon were ongoing, while security surveillance on campus had been heightened to prevent further attacks. (NAN)