The management of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has suspended all academic activities with immediate effect due to rising insecurity and increased cases of kidnapping in the area.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 5, by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, following a growing wave of violent attacks and abductions around Abraka town, where the university is located.
The decision comes just hours before a high-level emergency security meeting called by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, scheduled to take place at the Government House in Asaba. The meeting is expected to address the deteriorating security situation in the state, especially around educational institutions.
In an official statement released by the university on Thursday morning, the Vice Chancellor ordered all students to stay indoors until further notice.
“I wish to inform you all that due to the security situation in Abraka town, I have directed all our students to remain indoors today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, until Management is certain of the safety of both staff and students,” the statement read.
“Consequently, lectures and other academic activities will not hold today. Let us all hope for a return to normality after the public holidays,” it added.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among students and parents. While some welcomed the decision as a necessary step to protect lives, others expressed concern about the impact on academic schedules and safety outside campus walls.
“I’m glad the school is taking action, but we’re not even safe in our hostels,” said a 300-level student who requested anonymity. “The government needs to act fast.”
Abraka, a university town in Delta State, has been on edge in recent weeks following a surge in criminal activity. Residents and students have raised alarm over frequent reports of kidnappings, robberies, and killings. Tensions boiled over after the recent killing of a young man, reportedly by suspected kidnappers, which further highlighted the worsening security in the area.
Many locals have since called on Governor Oborevwori to deploy more security forces to the region and take swift action to restore peace.
“This is beyond politics now. Our lives are in danger,” said Mrs. Christy Enamuotor, a community leader. “If students are not safe in school, then nowhere is safe.”
Security experts and civil society groups have also raised concerns over the growing trend of attacks near schools and campuses across the country. In recent years, there have been multiple cases of kidnappings in tertiary institutions, especially in Northern and South-South Nigeria.
As of the time of this report, the Delta State Government has yet to release an official statement following the emergency meeting. However, university officials say they are monitoring the situation closely and will update the public once a decision is made on the resumption of academic activities.
For now, students and staff of DELSU are advised to stay indoors, remain alert, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
