THE management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has expelled three students accused of unlawfully possessing firearms during the recent Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections on campus.
According to a media report, the Vice Chancellor, Michael Awoke, a professor, announced the expulsion during the inauguration of newly elected Student Union Government (SUG) executives at the university’s main campus at the weekend.
He said the decision was necessary to maintain discipline and discourage acts of violence among students.
University authorities said the expelled students were arrested by the police after being found with guns and live ammunition during the election. They were reportedly involved in a shooting incident aimed at dispersing voters and allegedly attempted to attack the Dean of Student Affairs.
The vice chancellor warned that the institution would not tolerate cultism, examination malpractice, or any form of intimidation involving weapons, adding that the case had been handed over to law enforcement for prosecution.
Awoke reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and stated that anyone involved in criminal activities would face immediate expulsion and legal action.
The management described the disciplinary measure as a necessary step to preserve peace on campus and deter other students from engaging in similar misconduct.
In 2024, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani claimed that there were about 200 million illegal firearms in Nigeria.
He further alleged that the number represented 80 per cent of 250 million illegal firearms in West Africa.
He argued that the widespread possession of firearms caused the country’s growing insecurity.
A reporter with the ICIR
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