ABSU Condemns Murder of Cyclist Near Campus

Abia State University Management has condemned Mr Osinachi Asonye’s murder near its main Campus stressing that while the incident happened outside the institution, its premises remained safe for all.

The Abia State University (ABSU) announced the condemnation in a press statement signed by its PRO, Mr Chijioke Nwogu which was made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinachi Asonye is the nephew of the current Abia NUJ Chairman, Mr Chidi Asonye.

According to the NUJ Chairman, Mr Osinachi Asonye was shot dead on Friday morning in Uturu, Okigwe town near the university by armed robbers on a motorcycle.

He said Osinachi was the third son of Mr John Asonye who died and was buried less than a year ago in his home at Ezi-Ndi-Onwa, in Akoba, Otampa town, in Isiukwuato LGA of Abia.

Chidi said the young man operated as a commercial motorcyclist in the University town of Uturu before he was brutally shot dead at a junction near the university on the morning of June 27.

However, the university which consoled the victims relatives said that the stories weaved around Osinachi’s death were demarketing the university.

Nwogu said the management noted with grave concern disturbing cases of security challenges reported in the media lately in Uturu and Okigwe areas bordering the University.

“The public should note, that none of these reported incidences happened inside the University as many false narratives try to portray, but around the bordering communities.

“The security breaches are a reflection of the general insecurity challenges in the country, which is not peculiar to the state or the university.

“Security operatives have begun a manhunt to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these reprehensible acts,” he said.

Nwogu said surveillance and patrol of affected areas have been beefed up within and outside the University community.

He further noted that the patrol and surveillance by Joint Security Forces is meant to ensure the safety of lives and property of members of the university community.

“Therefore students are enjoined to go about their academic activities without fear.

“They should equally avoid travelling at night, and refrain from activities that may lead to quarrels and fights that no one can predict its consequences

“The safety of students remained the top priority of the Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr Alex Otti, and the Governing authorities of ABSU,” h said.

Nwogu said that ABSU “is safe, peaceful, and provides a conducive learning environment for students.”

He also said the governing authorities were committed to the protection of the lives and property of staff and students at all times.

Report by Ijendu Iheaka