Rivers varsity seeks govt intervention over land-grabbing threat

The University of the Nation in Abara-Etche, Rivers State, has raised the alarm over land-grabbing activities in the area, which it says constitute a threat to the integrity of the institution.

The university’s management has alleged that some operatives of the State Police Command are complicit in the activities.

The University Project Manager, Moses Salvation, made this statement during a news briefing at the institution on Monday, revealing that the land grabbers are operating under the cover of armed thugs and uniformed policemen.

Salvation expressed concern over the steady encroachment of the university’s land by the grabbers, describing the situation as a serious threat. He appealed to both the Federal and Rivers State Governments for intervention.

He stated, “We stand before you today as representatives of the University of the Nation, bringing with us a grave and pressing concern that threatens not only the integrity of our institution but also the very fabric of justice and order within our community.

“The relentless attacks on our land by groups of land grabbers have reached an intolerable level. These elements have become emboldened, operating with a shocking disdain for the rule of law, seemingly under the protection of certain members of the Rivers State Police Command, particularly from the Anti-Cultism Unit.

“Despite their brazen actions, these land grabbers have no legitimate documentation to substantiate their claims to the land they are attempting to seize.”

He continued, “Their primary tools have been armed thugs and corrupt security agents, who appear willing to overlook the law for personal gain.
This aggressive encroachment threatens not only the property rights of the University of the Nation but also the future of countless students and staff who rely on this institution for their education and livelihood.

“We are rallying together to expose this appalling situation and demand immediate intervention from both State and Federal Governments. It is imperative that those in positions of authority recognise the seriousness of these criminal activities and take decisive action to restore the rule of law.”

He further called on the Federal and State Governments, as well as other relevant agencies, to step in and address the issue.

“We urge the state and federal authorities to launch a full inquiry into the activities of the land grabbers, their collaborators, and the corrupt practices within the local police force. Reinforce security for our institution: immediate measures must be put in place to safeguard our land, ensuring that those who attempt to illegally occupy it are met with appropriate legal consequences.”

To protect the rights of educational institutions, Salvation stated, “It is essential that the government demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding educational establishments against such egregious acts of theft.

“Hold corrupt officials accountable: comprehensive accountability must be enforced against any law enforcement personnel found to be complicit in these acts. We refuse to be silenced or intimidated by thuggery and corruption. The University of the Nation stands firm in its commitment to safeguarding its heritage, its land, and the future of our students.

“We are prepared to fight against these injustices in every lawful way necessary.”

He called on the institution’s stakeholders, including community leaders and the general public, to stand with the university, saying, “Together, we can protect our rights and ensure that justice prevails.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said that the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, had ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, also appealed to the university authorities to provide more details to help the police identify the officers involved for appropriate action.

She stated, “The Commander of the Anti-Cultism Unit has denied taking part in any land-grabbing activities.

“Meanwhile, the matter is under investigation by the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner of Police has instructed the State CID and the O/C Anti-Cultism to jointly investigate the matter immediately.”