Security operatives at Kogi State Polytechnic (KSP), Lokoja, have arrested one Shehu Tenimu Mohammed (ND II), of the Department of Public Administration, of the institution over possession of a pistol.
Mohammed was alleged to have been in possession of a locally made pistol while making his way into the campus.
The Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, KSP, Uredo Omale stated that the student with Matriculation Number 2018/ND/PAD/170, was also carrying five rounds of live ammunition at the time of arrest entrance on Friday.
According to the statement, the arrest was made possible by the strong security network put in place to halt attempts to breach the ban on End-of-Examination celebration on campus.
The statement added: “It should be recalled that the ban itself came into force in view of intelligence report that some suspected cultists would be coming to the campus with ammunitions to avenge their colleague who was killed after the end of examination in 2019.
“Management under the proactive leadership of Dr S.O. Usman therefore beefed up security on campus, including daily routine check at the polytechnic entrance and the premises.
“Ever at alert, the security operatives of the institution had on Thursday, 8th April, 2021, impounded a Tricycle, (Keke NAPEP) which apparently was intended as a decoy for hiding and releasing gun shots outside the school gate.
“In the same vain, the gallant security operatives also arrested a non-student suspected to be a hired mercenary with a charm on the campus on 7th April, 2021.
The suspect who has since been handed over to the law enforcement agency claimed that he came to the campus to celebrate end of the examination with his sister.
“It was the continuation of the security check at the gate that led to the arrest of Shehu Tenimu Mohammed who was coming to the campus purportedly to write his ND II final examination on Friday, 9th April, 2021.
“Mohammed was stopped by the ‘stop and search’ officer and was asked to hand over his belongings. He took to his heels when he realised he would be caught with live ammunition, but it was too late for him.
“He has since been handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further interrogation and investigation.
The Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, assured members of staff, students and the general public that no stone would be left unturned in efforts to ensure that sanity is restored on the campus to make the atmosphere conducive for teaching and learning.
He commended the security unit of the institution for their dexterity, just as he appealed to members of the polytechnic community to remain on the side of the law.