The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has strongly condemned the recent brutal killings in Otobi-Akpa community of Otukpo Local Government Area, describing the attacks as a “heinous act of barbarity and man’s inhumanity to man.”
Otobi-Akpa, which houses the permanent site of FUHSO, was recently subjected to a series of violent attacks by suspected herdsmen, leaving numerous casualties and widespread grief in its wake.
In a show of solidarity and compassion, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Stephen Abah, led a high-powered delegation of senior university officials to the palace of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty John Elaigwu, and the village square of the bereaved community. There, he met with the District Head, Chief Pastor Wilson Ahola, to express the institution’s condolences.
Speaking with deep emotion, Prof. Abah lamented the senseless violence. “What could possibly justify the slaughter of innocent, peace-loving people in their own homes?” he asked. “This community, which plays host not only to our University but also to the Federal Government College and the Otobi Dam, deserves protection, not persecution.”
He decried the timing of the tragedy, noting that it occurred just as FUHSO was preparing to relocate to its permanent campus in Akwete-Akpa—a time that should have marked progress and celebration for the young federal institution.
Calling on security agencies to act decisively, Abah urged the Nigerian Police Force to establish a permanent station in the Otobi-Akpa axis. “This is a critical federal zone that must not be left vulnerable. We owe it to the memory of the victims and the future of this region to prevent a recurrence,” he emphasized.
At the palace of the Och’Idoma, Prof. Abah conveyed the university’s deepest sympathies to the paramount ruler and people of the Idoma Kingdom. A visibly emotional HRM John Elaigwu revealed that one of the victims was his personal pastor, underlining the personal and communal loss suffered.
“This is not just about Otobi-Akpa,” the monarch stated. “This is about the soul of our people, our heritage, and our future. We must speak with one voice and demand justice for our slain.”
He also highlighted Otobi-Akpa’s strategic importance—not only as the site of Nigeria’s first Federal University of Health Sciences but also as Otukpo’s main water source—stressing the urgent need for a robust and lasting security architecture in the region.
The FUHSO delegation included Acting Registrar Mr. Michael Ogiji; University Librarian Dr. Kathryn Philip; Provost of the College of Medicine Prof. Rose Okwunu Abah; Director of Academic Planning and Control Prof. Edache Sylvanus Okpe; Director of the Institute of Global Health and Health Security Prof. Onyemocho Audu; Chief Security Officer Mr. Michael Anebi; and Head of Protocol Mr. Francis Onmoke.
As the community mourns and demands justice, the university reiterated its commitment to peace, development, and the preservation of life—core values that must not be shaken by violence.
