The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francesca Bassey, has pointed to unauthorized land occupiers as the root cause of the escalating security issues on campus. During a recent visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Hogan Itam, she presented official documents and compensation records to substantiate the university’s ownership of the disputed land. Bassey emphasized that the illegal settlements are not only encroaching on university property but also fostering a surge in criminal activities.
She revealed that individuals living in the occupied zones are allegedly involved in theft, attempted sexual assault on female students, and the distribution of illegal drugs within the campus. The financial toll on the institution has been severe, with losses amounting to over N300 million from stolen cables, sliding windows, and equipment from various faculties, including Engineering, Education, and Physical Sciences, as well as the University Staff School and the new auditorium.
The VC further recounted an incident where university security personnel were assaulted when they tried to stop someone from erecting a building on the institution’s land. The security team was chased away by individuals from the encroaching community, thwarting efforts to protect the university’s assets. This persistent encroachment has hampered the university’s ability to use its land for educational purposes and delayed critical infrastructure projects.
In response, the Efut traditional leadership condemned the encroachment and the associated crimes, including vandalism and attacks on security staff. They reaffirmed their support for UNICROSS, recognizing its role in education and community development, and pledged to collaborate with the university to restore peace and order.