Federal University Wukari shut down over Tiv/Jukun crisis

Authorities of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba, on Wednesday closed down the institution, following alleged abduction and killing of some students and staff of the institution due to the Jukun/Tiv ethnic crisis.

The Registrar of the university, Magaji Gangumi, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Wukari, said the Committee of Deans and Directors approved the closure of the institution on behalf of the University Senate.

The registrar said the suspension became imperative following a protest by the students over the alleged incident.

“The Committee of Deans and Directors of Federal University, Wukari, on behalf of the Senate, has approved the suspension of lectures and closure of the institution till further notice.

“This follows the protest by students over the kidnapping of their mates along Wukari-Katsina Ala highway on Tuesday.

“Students are directed to vacate the hostels and the university premises by or before 12 noon on Wednesday,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Abubakar Kundiri, a professor, has given assurance that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure safety of staff and students as they leave Wukari.

He said apart from school buses, the Chairman of Ukum Local Government in the neighbouring Benue was sending about 10 buses to help evacuate students from the state.

Mr Kundiri stated that security had also been beefed up by the army and police to ensure that members of the academic community left Wukari without any hitch.

NAN reports that the Jukun/Tiv crisis which started since April 1, 2019, in Kente village and has lingered on till date.