Students Decry Crisis In FUPRE, Say Locals
Harass, Kill Them
Yesterday
reader Hilda messaged us at info to say
students of the FUPRE in Delta State are in grave danger
because local youths constantly harass and attack them.
“I am a student of the Federal University of
Petroleum Resource, Effurun, in Delta State
(FUPRE). The situation going on in my school for
the past couple of months is getting out of hand,”
Hilda wrote.
“My school is in the Ugboro community of Uvwie
local government area. Local boys are robbing us
students, attack us with various weapons and even
shoot at us. Nothing is being done to prevent this!
“This April, a final year student of Marine
engineering was shot in the head. Luckily, he didn’t
die and was operated on twice.
“The school protested but nobody did or said
anything about it. The matter died down.
“Now, another final year student has been attacked
and shot dead by these same community boys. The
only thing the Chief security officer could say was
blame the victim for going out at night! The boy
went out by 9pm to buy some bread to eat and was
shot dead!
“We want to make this matter public and the Federal
Government to come to your aid because nobody,
not even the school authorities, is saying anything
about it.”
To emphaisze her point, Hilda has attached a photograph of
blood spilled on the spot of another attack:
has contacted FUPRE management and are
waiting for their response on the matter.
Meanwhile, ome of readers said they could
actually relate to Hilda’s story :
Osuji Chidi: Exactly what happened in FUTO and
Calabar. Fighting back is the answer!
Yassar Oyewo: The students are crying loud now,
but nobody seems to listen to them. However, when
it gets out of hand, they turn it to a national issue
alleging that the students want to pull down the
government. A stitch in time saves nine!
Uleh Sunny Brain: I personally experienced this
during my undergraduate level in U.A.M., but we
protested such that no academic activities
functioned until our voice was heard. Ensure all
roads are blocked by students until it results in
short strike which will enable the management to
find absolute solution to the problem. Our leaders
don’t deserve peace until they respond to problems.
Christopher Idegbe Abiodun : I finished from P.T.I.,
and what [Hilda] said was very true. In 2006, I was
going to a popular transport company (Agofure) to
watch a match, then all of a sudden, a guy pulled
up from a bike pointing a gun at me and demanding
to drop all I have. I was able to escape when I hit
the gun out of his hand and before he could locate
his gun, I was off. If we cry from now till tomorrow,
or wait for the government to respond, nothing will
happen.
Okandeji Oluwagbemileke Armstrong: So painful. I
am very familiar with that locality. Despite the
presence of soldiers in the nearby Agofure park, this
still happens? It’s soo sad. The Delta State govt and
school management must intensify security patrols
and also have police presence in the school.
Bash Ahmed: Really sad, but my advice to the
students is to stop going out late at night. The
environment of FUPRE is not secure at all because
almost all the youths there are thieves. I have
stayed there before.
Indeed, many other commentators have suggested the
aggrieved students to organize themselves and talk to local
leaders , including the traditional rulers, in order to make
them understand the privilege of having the school in their
locality, and ask them to call their children to order .
While a number of readers have called to use violence
against violence, the majority of respondents reasoned that
retaliation will most probably make the situation even worse
(and Naij.com editors agree with this).
Some said the Student Union should call an emergency
meeting, then meet the Commissioner of Police and obtain
permission for a peaceful protest to the Government House
(warning the Governor beforehand).
In accordance with the FG’s initiative to produce manpower
and expertise for the oil and gas sector, FUPRE was
established in March, 2007, and admitted its first set of
undergraduates in 2008.
What do you think is the best solution for the FUPRE
students? Have you ever had a similar experience at your
own alma mater?
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