Zamfara Tertiary Schools Not Under Security Threats, Say Officials

The two tertiary institutions in Zamfara State, Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS) and the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau, have said they were not experiencing serious security challenges on their campuses.

In separate interviews with LEADERSHIP, senior officials of the tertiary schools said their authorities were working with security agencies and vigilante groups to keep the campuses safe and prevent attacks and kidnappings by criminals.

The head of the FUGUS Committee on Media and Communications, Dr Linus Akor, said there was a decline in security challenges both within and outside the campus, especially in Sabon Gida Village, which hosts students’ lodges.

Akor said, “To the glory of God, we don’t have any major security challenge, and we don’t pray to have one. The security agencies have been supporting the university’s efforts, and there are ubiquitous security checkpoints on the Gusau-Kaduna Highway both day and night.”

“We know that insecurity cannot be wished away, but we don’t have any reason to worry because of the heavy presence of security operatives within the university community,” he said.

Akor explained that since the kidnapping of some students from their lodges at Sabon Gida on the outskirts of the university two years ago, the heavy presence of security operatives had brought respite to the area.

He said the university constructed a perimeter fence and observation towers to prevent security breaches.

“Also, security floodlights within the institution give our internal operatives a clear view of any possible security breach from afar.

“Notwithstanding the improvements, we are appealing to both the federal and Zamfara State governments to support the university financially and logistically to sustain the current efforts at ensuring a conducive atmosphere for teaching, research and learning for the members of staff and students of our young institution,” he said.

The acting provost of the College of Education (Technical), Gusau, Dr Onazi Bosede Oluwatoyin, told LEADERSHIP that there were no security challenges in the school.

Oluwatoyin said the college had taken security measures in collaboration with other security agencies to avert any unpleasant situation.

She said the college only witnessed a security threat when some villagers close to the school ran through it for safety after the vigilantes killed some bandits who hid behind them.

The acting provost added that after the incident, the college had constructed a perimeter fence and collaborated with security guards provided by the state government, the police, vigilante groups, and hunters.

“We are secure, our staff and students are living with no fear as the security agencies are working day and night to safeguard the institution,” she said.

Comrade Hassan Aminu Korama, president of the Zamfara State Students Association (ZAMSSA), FUGUS Chapter, said the school is “very safe.”