By Suleiman Abdulmumin
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has presented two branded operational vehicles to security agencies to support anti-cultism operations and enhance safety across the campus and its host community. The initiative forms part of the institution’s updated security layout aimed at maintaining a stable environment for learning and administrative activities.
He made this known at the Expanded Security Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Monday, 29th June, 2026, at the University Council Chamber, where members of the University community, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders deliberated on strategies for strengthening security within and around the University.
In a statement in Lokoja by the university public relations officer, Uredo Omale, the Vice-Chancellor informed stakeholders at the meeting of the need to restore and establish a peaceful, safe, and conducive learning environment for staff, students, and members of the host community.
The statement noted that the University Management remains committed to maintaining a secure campus through sustained collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, and relevant stakeholders.
Prof. Usman stressed that the two operational vehicles were purchased as part of the University’s deliberate efforts to stamp out criminal activities, including cult-related activities and other social vices within and around the University community.
He added that one of the vehicles had been dedicated to anti-cultism operations (Joint Security & Anti-Cultism Squad), while the second would strengthen routine security patrols within the University and its environs (Security Patrol Team).
He disclosed further that, at its 403rd Meeting, the University Management Committee (UMC) approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to strengthen discipline and ensure the effective enforcement of the University’s rules and regulations.
Prof. Usman also announced the establishment of a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation to identify, counsel, and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities. He noted that the initiative would provide an opportunity for affected students to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible conduct, warning that those who refused to desist from criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged members of the public to disregard a viral video circulating on social media that falsely linked cult activities to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, clarifying that the incident neither happened in the University nor in Kogi State. He described the video as misleading and malicious, circulated with the intention of creating unnecessary panic.
The Vice-Chancellor reassured students, parents, and guardians of the University’s unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property, adding that the institution would continue to strengthen its partnership with security agencies to eliminate all forms of criminality.
Professor Usman attributed the ongoing stability of the campus environment to the continuous support of the Kogi State Government. He specifically thanked the Executive Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his active role in maintaining the institution’s security architecture, while also acknowledging the foundational mentorship of the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, which he credited with keeping the university community peaceful.