Urgent Appeal: Federal College Of Education Asaba Provost Seeks Government Support Amid Rising Security Threats

Provost Calls for Immediate Intervention to Address Growing Security Concerns

Here’s the deal: The Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, Professor Josephine Anene-Okakwa, has made an urgent appeal to the government for help in tackling the escalating security challenges facing the institution. It’s not just about the college—it’s about the safety of students, staff, and the entire community. Last Wednesday, students took to the streets to protest what they described as a series of alarming attacks by herdsmen on the school premises. This isn’t a small issue—it’s a crisis that demands immediate attention.

Understanding the Root Cause: Land-Grabbers and Broken Fences

When I spoke with Professor Anene-Okakwa on Sunday, she laid it all out. The root of the problem, she explained, lies in the activities of land-grabbers who have been dismantling the college’s perimeter fence. This has left the campus wide open, making it vulnerable to intrusions by herdsmen. “They’ve pulled down the fence, making the entire place porous. Now, anyone can wander in without restriction,” she said. It’s as if the college’s security system has been dismantled, leaving everyone inside at risk. “We’ve been working hard to address this, but it’s a battle we can’t win alone,” she added, emphasizing the need for external support.

A Letter to the Top Brass: Seeking Help from the Inspector-General of Police

In her efforts to resolve the issue, Professor Anene-Okakwa has taken decisive action by writing directly to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Her letter outlines the activities of land-grabbers and how their actions have contributed to the rising insecurity on campus. Despite her efforts, the alleged land-grabber who was initially made to sign an undertaking to stop his activities has shown no signs of stopping. This defiance, according to the Provost, has only worsened the situation. “Even after signing the undertaking, he continues his destructive behavior,” she lamented.

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Escalating the Issue: Copying Multiple Agencies for Assistance

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Professor Anene-Okakwa didn’t stop at just one letter. She copied multiple agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal Ministry of Education, the Asagba of Asaba, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). “I wanted to ensure that everyone who could possibly help us was aware of the situation,” she explained. “This isn’t just about the college; it’s about the safety of everyone in the community.” Her approach was strategic, aiming to bring as much attention to the issue as possible.

Seeking a Perimeter Fence: A Critical Step Toward Security

Recognizing the importance of a secure perimeter, Professor Anene-Okakwa also wrote to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund), requesting funds to construct a new fence. “We’ve been following up on this request because the safety of our staff and students is paramount,” she said. The Provost emphasized that this isn’t just a wish—it’s a necessity. “If the land-grabber stops his activities, TETfund can step in and provide the resources we need to secure the campus,” she added, hopeful for a positive outcome.

Governor’s Involvement: A Committee Set Up, But Resistance Remains

Not stopping there, the Provost also reached out to the Governor, who subsequently set up a committee to investigate the matter. The committee was tasked with demolishing any illegal structures on the disputed land. However, the land-grabber refused to comply, further complicating the situation. “He’s still pulling down fences with complete impunity,” Professor Anene-Okakwa revealed, expressing her frustration. “This is a battle we can’t afford to lose, but we need the support of everyone involved to make it happen.”

It’s clear that the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba is facing a serious challenge that requires immediate intervention. The Provost’s efforts are commendable, but the situation demands a collective response from all stakeholders. The safety of students and staff hangs in the balance, and time is of the essence. Let’s hope the authorities step up and take the necessary actions to resolve this crisis once and for all.