…Demands justice for Godwin Akpakpan
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning to authorities, threatening to shut down all campuses in Rivers State if justice is not served over the killing of a 300-level Computer Science student of the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), Mr Godwin Francis Akpakpan.
Akpakpan was reportedly shot dead during an off-campus altercation on April 16, 2024.
According to NANS, he was arrested during a stop-and-search operation by individuals in police uniform before an alleged shootout ensued between police officers and men in military uniform, during which he was fatally shot.
The university, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Sammy Kpenu, described the incident as “shocking” and expressed deep sadness over the loss of one of its students.
The statement reads partly, “The incident, allegedly involving security personnel, occurred outside the university premises, we expect that a thorough investigation will be conducted and that appropriate actions will be taken in line with justice and the rule of law.”
The university also conveyed its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and assured the academic community that it was working with relevant security agencies to investigate the case.
NANS Rivers State Joint Campus Council Chairperson, Comrade Jokiel Gideon Chinonso, condemned the killing and the failure of any security agency to accept responsibility for the fatal bullet.
“None of the security agencies involved is claiming responsibility for the bullet that allegedly killed Akpakpan. We demand an immediate investigation into this alleged murder and call on the relevant authorities to bring those involved to book,” Chinonso said.
He warned that if authorities fail to act, students would take to the streets in protest.
“If nothing is done, we will not hesitate to occupy the streets and shut down all campuses in Rivers State.”
“We will not allow the lives of our members to be taken without consequences. We demand justice for Godwin Francis Akpakpan and his family,”he declared.
Despite the rising anger among students, UniPort management has urged calm and patience as investigations proceed.
“The institution remains committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students and staff,” the university stated.