The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAUU), Anyigba, says its intensified crackdown on cultism has forced suspected cult members to flee the campus as authorities sustain efforts to rid the institution of criminal activities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, disclosed this while speaking on the university’s ongoing anti-cultism campaign launched following the alleged killing of a 300-level Biochemistry student, David Ocholi Solomon.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the university has adopted a zero-tolerance stance against cultism and will continue to pursue anyone found engaging in activities that threaten peace and security on campus.

“As far as I am concerned, this university will never pamper cultists. I am not afraid of them. I will go after them and do everything possible to root them out.

“We admitted these students to acquire knowledge, develop skills and build character—not to engage in cultism. Any student acting contrary to the conditions of admission will have the university management to contend with,” he said.

Prof. Ogbo added that the ongoing security operations have significantly disrupted cult-related activities within the institution.

“We have made the campus unbearable for cult-related activities. As examinations commenced, students who know they are involved in cultism fled the campus. This war against cultism is total and will be sustained,” he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that four suspected student cultists have so far been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigations following the death of the student.

Meanwhile, some students have appealed to the university management to review some of the security measures introduced as part of the anti-cultism campaign, particularly the restriction on motorcycles entering the campus.

While commending the Vice-Chancellor for prioritising the safety of students and staff, they argued that the ban has made movement within the campus difficult.

One of the students, Meshak Yahaya, praised the management for taking decisive steps to maintain peace and security following cult-related incidents recorded during the last Freshers’ Week.

“First and foremost, I commend the university management for its efforts in maintaining peace, security and order on campus. The safety of students, staff and visitors remains a priority that deserves everyone’s support,” he said.

However, Yahaya noted that many students rely on motorcycles as their most convenient and affordable means of transportation within the university environment.

“The restriction has forced many students to walk long distances daily, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience,” he said.

He urged the university management and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) to consider reviewing the policy by sanctioning only offenders instead of imposing restrictions that affect all motorcycle operators and students.

“Punishing offenders individually would be more effective and fair than imposing restrictions that affect responsible motorcycle users. I appeal to the Vice-Chancellor and the SUG President to consider a more practical solution that allows responsible riders access to the campus while ensuring strict enforcement against violators,” he added.