The Management of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, has assured students of their safety and security on campus, following the recent suspension of academic activities due to unknown gunmen attack on Chikam Community which claimed the life of a 200L Computer Science student, Late Dading James and several others injured.
Speaking on Wednesday, 1st May 2024 on POINTBLANK NEWS BLOG INTERACTIVE SESSION as the 15th Guest on the program, Dr Felix Bitrus Masok, Dean Students’ Affairs gave the University Management’s assurance and also justified the #6,000 fine imposed on students who participated in the riot that followed the attack.
According to Dr Masok who displayed uncommon leadership and bravery in the heat of the attack that saved the lives of many students and ultimately earned him the PIONEER POINTBLANK NEWS BLOG EXCEPTIONAL PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK AWARD, he said “Be reminded, the Vice Chancellor is an experienced administrator. He was secretary to Plateau State government. I can assure parents and students that adequate measures have been taken by the university management to ensure the safety of both students and staff of the university”
Justifying the riot fine imposed on the students, the students’ favourite said narrated a first witness account of what actually transpired and why Management imposed the fine as a necessary measure to deter future occurrences of violence and destruction of university property. “The students angered by the murder of their fellow student on Thursday, 18th April, 2024 at Chikam CAC. They carried the death body of the student and proceeded to the University for the protest. During the protest, the students invaded the university Senate building and damage properties belonging to the university”.
“As if that wasn’t effort, they proceeded to the STF military check point outside the university fence, vandalized their tent and other private vehicles including that of the Plateau State House of Assembly and some staff of the university. The fine is not intended to punish students, but to ensure that they take responsibility for their actions and respect the university’s rules and regulations,” the Dean added.
Explaining how the Management arrived at the Seven thousand naira fine, he said “After the incident, a committee was set up to assess the extent of damage. The committee was made up of people from different areas including security, quantity surveyors, engineers and administrators”.
“The initial #7,000k was decided based on the bills of quantity and market price survey for the cost of removal and replacement of damage properties including cleaning. However, following a successful meeting of SUG and NAPSS with management today 1st May, 2024”.
“Management has considered the plea from Union leaders and approved a downward review of the riot fee to #6,000. However, those who have already paid the earlier prescribed amount will be refunded the difference”.
The Management also assured students that the university has taken additional security measures to prevent future attacks, including the deployment of additional security personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras.
Allaying any fear of attack, the Dean said “We understand that the recent incident may have caused anxiety and fear among our students, but we want to assure them that we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and security”
The Management also appealed to students to desist from engaging in violent protests and to seek peaceful and constructive ways to express their grievances.”We are committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment, and we urge our students to work with us to achieve this goal,” Dr Masok concluded.
