UNIUYO gives 2-week ultimatum to herdsmen to quit campus

UNIUYO gives 2-week ultimatum to herdsmen to quit campus

Douglas Ukpong-Udoka

The authorities of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has given a two-week ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen grazing on the all the campuses of the institution to move out their cattle.

The school’s authority claimed the cattle have constituted nuisance to the premises.

Vice Chancellor of institution, Prof. Enefiok Essien, gave the ultimatum to the herdsmen at a meeting with the Fulani herdsmen led by their head, Alhaji Farouk Miyetti Allah, in Uyo, on Monday.

Prof. Essien, in a statement signed by the Director, Public Relations, Mr. Godfrey Essien, said the meeting was crucial in the interest of peace and unity in the university.

The ultimatum, according to the statement, began on Friday April and would expire on May 11. It was observed that there were herds of cattle constantly moving around the university main campus, and called on the leadership of the herdsmen to restrain their cattle from entering the institution in order to avoid conflict and discord.

‘‘There were herds of cattle constantly moving around the main campus and therefore, called on the leadership of the herdsmen to restrain their cattle from entering the university in order to avoid conflict and discord, he said.

The Vice Chancellor also directed the chief security officer of the university, Lt. Col. Nkana Efik (rtd), to liaise with the herdsmen, to ensure that the cattle were taken out of the campuses within two weeks.

He thanked all the parties at the meeting for their useful contributions, understanding and commitment towards ensuring peace and unity.

The Registrar and Secretary to the Senate of the institution, Mr. Aniedi-Abasi Udofia said, it was necessary to avoid any herdsmen-related clash as such clash has threatened the peace in parts of the country today because of conflict between them and the communities.

Udofia, while urging the Fulani community to withdraw their cattle with immediate effect however noted that, the cattle have been roaming the campuses destroying experimental crops among other things.

Secretary, Fulani Herdsmen, Ahmed Aliyu thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the management of the University for the invitation to dialogue over the matter, and appealed for time to dialogue with his colleagues to resolve the matter amicably.

The meeting was attended by members of the University management, personnel from the Department of State Service, DSS and the Police.