FROM ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Port Harcourt
Tension has gripped the Rivers State University, RSU, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, after five students were abducted by suspected cultists from their off-campus residence in Emuoha Local Government Area, yesterday.
The abduction came barely a week after students living at Emuoha satellite campus protested against repeated attacks and harassment, demanding that the university relocate them to the main campus for safety reasons.
However, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi reassured students during a pre-convocation press briefing that the Emuoha campus would remain open.
He emphasised that the university would take measures, including town hall meetings with community leaders and security agencies, to safeguard students and staff.
The latest attack occurred in Rumuchi/Rumuohia, following assurances from the vice chancellor about improved security. One student, who narrowly escaped, recounted the terrifying ordeal to newsmen.
According to her, the gunmen struck around 2am, shooting and killing the security dog on duty before storming the residence. “At first, I thought the gunshot was fireworks, but I quickly realised it was real,” she said.
She revealed that the assailants fired at her as she tried to flee.
“I don’t know how many times they shot at me. I could not even look back; I was just running for my life,” she added.
She explained that other students, about four or more, remain missing.
The student described a harrowing chase, noting that while one attacker eventually stopped, another emerged from the bush and continued pursuing her until she reached safety at a neighbor’s gate.
The police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the incident was carried out by cultists. She said the commissioner of police has visited the scene and deployed tactical teams to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students.
“They were abducted by cultists. In the early hours of yesterday, a group of five cultists stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia, shot and abducted five persons to an unknown location,” SP Iringe-Koko said.
She added that police efforts are ongoing to recover the students and apprehend the suspects.
“Tactical personnel have been deployed to ensure that the students regain their freedom,” she said.
The abduction underscores ongoing security challenges facing students living off-campus and raises urgent calls for enhanced protection measures to safeguard lives in the area.
