The University of Port Harcourt has expressed sadness over the death of one of its students, Mr Godwin Francis Akpakpan, who was shot in an incident that happened outside the school.
In a statement by the school’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Sammy Kpenu, the management confirmed that the late Akpakpan was a 300-level student of Computer Science. The university sent its condolences to his family, friends, and fellow students.
Although the full details of the incident are still unclear, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described it as a suspected case of murder during a security operation and is calling for answers.
According to NANS, Akpakpan was arrested during a stop-and-search operation on April 16, 2024, by individuals in police uniform. He was later shot and killed during what was described as an altercation between policemen and men dressed in military attire.
Chairman of NANS Rivers State Joint Campus Council, Comrade Jokiel Gideon Chinonso, decried the incident and noted that no security agency has accepted responsibility for the fatal shot.
“We demand an immediate and transparent investigation into this killing,” Chinonso said. “If the authorities fail to act, we will not hesitate to occupy the streets and shut down campuses across Rivers State.”
The students’ body insists that the safety of students must not be compromised, emphasising that there will be no rest until justice is served.
Meanwhile, the university management said it is working closely with relevant security agencies to ascertain the facts behind the incident and has pledged to support all efforts to ensure accountability.
“We expect a thorough investigation and the necessary actions to follow, in line with justice and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The university urged students and members of the academic community to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to conduct their investigations. It reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students and staff.
