Our staff, students vulnerable to bandits’ attacks –UDUS VC

The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, (UDUS), Professor Lawal Bilbis, has said that the unique geographical setting of the university has made it become a soft target for bandits.

Speaking at the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st combined convocation of the university on Saturday, he said the university’s permanent site is situated approximately 15 kilometers from the city centre.

He said, “In addition, the campus has a landmass covering 5,630 hecters, nestled amidst approximately 60 villages and hamlets with a collective population of about 200,000 people.

“This unique geographical setting poses a significant security threat, as tertiary institutions increasingly become soft targets for criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

“Challenges posed by external security threats emanating from surrounding communities include violent political conflicts, thefts, kidnapping and banditry attacks.

“These incidents, often alarming and on the rise, encroach dangerously close to our students’ hall of residence and staff residential areas and requires the urgent need for enhanced security measures.”

The VC appealed for the completion of the university’s perimeter fencing and the relocation of villages inside the university.