The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) community has been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic killing of one of its students in what is suspected to be a case of violent assault. The incident, which has sparked outrage both on and off campus, has prompted the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to issue a strong statement demanding swift justice for the victim.
The deceased student, whose identity has been confirmed as a 300-level undergraduate, reportedly lost his life after being attacked by yet-to-be-identified assailants. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that the attack was premeditated, leaving many to question the growing insecurity within student communities.
Campus Gripped by Grief and Fear
Since the news of the student’s death broke, the atmosphere at UniPort has been somber. Students, staff, and members of the university’s leadership have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as both painful and unacceptable.
In an official statement, the university’s management condemned the attack in strong terms, assuring the entire academic community that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
“This is a dark moment for the UniPort family. We have lost a promising young life to senseless violence,” the statement read. “The university is committed to supporting security agencies in their investigation and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served.”
On campus, students gathered for a candlelight procession in honor of their fallen colleague, calling for improved security measures and a safer learning environment. The mourners, many of whom were visibly shaken, carried placards with messages like “Enough is Enough”, “Protect Students Now”, and “Justice for Our Brother.”
NANS: Justice Must Not Be Delayed
Reacting swiftly to the incident, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a public condemnation of the killing and urged the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to expedite their investigation.
Speaking at a press briefing, the NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, said, “We are deeply pained by the murder of one of our own. NANS is demanding immediate action. The killers must be found, arrested, and prosecuted without delay. We will not allow this case to be swept under the carpet as we have seen happen in similar cases in the past.”
He further warned that if the authorities fail to act decisively, NANS may mobilize for nationwide protests to press their demands for justice.
NANS is also calling on the federal and state governments to prioritize student safety, noting that insecurity in and around campuses has reached alarming levels.
“Our universities must not become hunting grounds for criminals. Every student deserves to go to class and return home safely. We will not rest until the safety of Nigerian students is guaranteed,” Comrade Emonefe emphasized.
Students Demand Action on Campus Security
Beyond the emotional tributes and protests, the incident has reignited long-standing concerns about the security situation within the University of Port Harcourt and other Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Many students lamented that security lapses have made them easy targets for criminal elements. Some pointed out that the absence of functional streetlights in certain parts of the campus and poor surveillance coverage have made it difficult to detect and prevent attacks.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing violent incidents on this campus. The difference now is that someone has lost his life,” said Anita Okafor, a final-year student. “We need real security, not just men in uniforms standing at the gate.”
Other students called for the deployment of more security personnel, installation of CCTV cameras, and partnerships between university authorities and local security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and patrols around the school premises.
Police Assure of Thorough Investigation
In response to the public outcry, the Rivers State Police Command has assured the university community that it has already commenced a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the student’s death.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed that some leads are already being followed. “We sympathize with the family of the deceased and the entire UniPort community. We want to assure everyone that this case is a priority for us, and we will do all we can to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice swiftly.”
She also urged members of the public to assist the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.
Growing Concerns Over Campus Insecurity in Nigeria
The UniPort tragedy is yet another grim reminder of the increasing threats to student safety in Nigerian higher institutions. Over the past few years, there have been numerous reports of cult clashes, armed robberies, kidnappings, and assaults on campuses across the country.
In some cases, investigations are quickly abandoned, leaving families of the victims without closure and encouraging a culture of impunity.
Stakeholders in the education sector are now calling for a nationwide review of campus security protocols, urging both federal and state governments to invest in modern security technologies and to involve community policing structures that can address threats quickly.
“Universities should be sanctuaries of knowledge, not zones of fear,” said Dr. Sola Olaniyan, an education rights advocate. “We need long-term solutions that focus on intelligence, early warning systems, and a security-conscious culture among students and staff alike.”
UniPort Community United in Grief and Resolve
As the investigation continues, the UniPort community remains united in mourning, but also in its determination to see justice served. Students have vowed to keep the memory of their colleague alive by continuing to demand answers from the authorities.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Owunari Georgewill, in his message of condolence, urged students to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He promised that the university management would press security agencies to see the case through to its logical conclusion.
“This is not the end. We will continue to push until those who did this are found. We owe it to the victim, his family, and the entire UniPort community to ensure that justice is done,” Professor Georgewill stated.
Conclusion: A Call for Safer Campuses Nationwide
The tragic killing at the University of Port Harcourt has reignited national conversations about the safety of students and the responsibility of educational institutions and security agencies to protect them.
While the mourning continues, there is now a stronger resolve among students, parents, and stakeholders to push for safer campuses across Nigeria. The message is clear: every student matters, and no life should be lost to preventable violence.
Justice must not only be served—it must also be seen to be served.
