BENIN CITY- The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Benin has condemned the spate of violence and general atmosphere of insecurity that has pervaded the Ugbowo campus of the University of late
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chairman,Ray N. Chikogu and Secretary, Success O. Abusomwan for and on behalf of ASUU University of Benin titled “The Spate of Violence, Attempted Murder of Our Colleague On The Campus Of The University of Benin “.
According to the statement, it culminated in the attempted murder of Dr . Presley Osemwengie , a lecturer in the department of Economics and member of the University of Benin Branch of ASUU by some members of the Executive Committee of the University of Benin Students Union led by the President and some ex- as wel as non-students of the University on Friday the 12th of April 2024
Continuing they said the President of the Students Union of the University marched upon a gathering of staff of the university and their invited guests, ordering them to discontinue their interaction as he was not pre-informed and consequently,did not grant permission for the interaction to be held
They subsequently noted that it is impossible for members of the union to hereafter depose themselves to any teaching and research in an environment in which they are prime targets for brutalization or elimination by some of the students they are labouring to impact with the wealth of their intellectual property
They pointed out that in the resolution of the meeting of the Congress of ASUU UNIBEN on Thursday 18th of April 2024,
the union condemns in very strong terms ,the rebellious and terrorizing acts of brigandage being carried out by the students both as individuals and under cover of student unionism in their entirety.The affront and impunity exhibited by the group of persons led by the Students Union President on the 12th of April 2024 is unacceptable and called on the University Administration to institute o thorough probe in that regards
That all the identified students who participated in the event that led to the attempted murder of their colleague should be taken through the disciplinary process sanctioned as appropriate and all other identified culpable individuals whoever and wherever they are must be made to face the full wrath of the law
They finally reiterated that , subject to the authorization of the Principal Officers of the union ,the members may not be available to resume academic activities on the 28th of April if immediate action and the necessary processes are not initiated regarding their demands.
