Killings: Federal University Wukari, Taraba State Shut Down Over Tiv/Jukun Crisis

BY AMEH IDUJAGI, WUKARI –Following alleged Federal University of Wukari, Taraba State has been shut down with immediate effect to avoid further breakdown of law and order.

This followed the alleged abduction and killing of some students and staff of the institution as a result of the Tiv-Jukun ethnic crisis that has led to the killings of many, destruction of unquantifiable properties, razed villages and displacement of people from their homes.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abubakar Kundiri, who approved the suspension of academic activities and closure of the institution, said that the development became imperative following students protest over the unfortunate incident.

A statement by Registrar of the University, Mr Magaji Gangumi in Wukari, made available to Forefront News quoted the Vice Chancellor as having said that the suspension of lectures and closure of the institution will be in place until further notice.

Gangumi further said; “This follows the protest by students over the kidnapping of their mates along Wukari-Katsina Ala high way on Tuesday.

“Students are directed to vacate the hostel and University premises by or before 12noon.”

Information pieced together indicate that the Jukun/Tiv crisis which started since April 1, 2019 in Kente village has lingered on till present day, a development that led to protest by students.

In a telephone interview, the Vice Chancellor of the University assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of both staff and students as they leave Wukari.

Prof Kundiri said that in addition to the provision of the school buses, the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state has agreed to send additional 10 buses to evacuate students from that state.

The Vice Chancellor said that security has been reinforced from both the Nigerian Army and the police to ensure that members of the academic community are protected to conveniently leave Wukari without any form of attack.