Authorities at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, have stepped up their anti-cultism drive with the arrest of two additional suspected cult members on campus.
This comes amid ongoing efforts to address the killing of a 300-level Biochemistry student, David Solomon, who was reportedly murdered within the university environment on June 11.
A statement issued in Lokoja by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, confirmed that the latest arrests were part of intensified security operations following the incident.
She disclosed that the suspects, identified as Fidelis Atuluku and Monday Okolo, both 100-level students of the Department of Social Studies/Education, were apprehended on Tuesday after a tip-off.
According to her, the students were found with alleged charms and later confessed to belonging to the Juris Confraternity. She added that they also admitted to being initiated into the group before gaining admission into the university.
Omale stated that the suspects would be transferred to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Usman, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to eradicating cult-related activities and ensuring safety on campus.
He described the killing of Solomon as tragic and unacceptable, warning that cult violence poses a serious threat to academic activities and campus peace.
Usman urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their wards and monitor their associations to prevent involvement in secret cults.
He also revealed that the university had begun profiling individuals willing to renounce cult membership voluntarily, provided they sign undertakings and denounce such groups.
According to him, an amnesty window remains open for those ready to come forward, either through the Office of the Chief Security Officer or the Dean of Student Affairs.
He added that arrangements were underway for a formal renunciation programme for repentant members willing to publicly abandon cultism and embrace lawful conduct.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated security agencies, community leaders, religious bodies, and other stakeholders for their support in tackling cult-related issues.
He urged students to cooperate with management in maintaining a peaceful and secure academic environment.
He further assured that investigations into the murder of Solomon were ongoing, while surveillance and security presence across the campus had been strengthened to prevent further incidents.