By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Secretary of the Niger Delta Activists Forum (NDAF), Comrade Ogar Emmanuel Oko, has called on the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to urgently strengthen security measures following a series of reported thefts and break-ins in female hostels.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, Oko expressed concern over the growing insecurity on campus, particularly in the female hostels, where criminals have allegedly been gaining access to students’ rooms and stealing valuables.
“The recent spate of thefts and break-ins at the University of Calabar, particularly in the female hostels, has become a source of serious concern.
“Reports of criminals gaining access to students’ rooms and making away with valuables have become increasingly frequent, creating fear and uncertainty within the university community,” he said.
According to him, several incidents of burglary have reportedly occurred over the past two weeks in the Malabor and Club 89 female hostels, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the university’s security system.
Oko urged the university administration, led by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside the Dean of Students’ Affairs and the Chief Security Officer, to provide clear information on the measures being taken to protect students and prevent further attacks.
He also called for a thorough investigation into allegations by some students that certain security personnel may be collaborating with the perpetrators.
“These allegations are serious and should neither be dismissed nor accepted without evidence.
“They require a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the facts and restore confidence in the university’s security architecture,” he stated.
The NDAF secretary further urged the university to strengthen surveillance, increase security patrols, improve access control at the female hostels, and review the operations of security personnel assigned to Malabor and Club 89.
He stressed that any officer found negligent or complicit should face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
Oko warned that failure to act promptly could allow the situation to deteriorate into more serious crimes, including physical attacks or sexual assault.
“Students deserve to pursue their education in an environment that guarantees their safety, dignity and peace of mind.
The University of Calabar has a duty to reassure the campus community through swift, transparent and effective action,” he added.
