The management of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has lamented over the demolition of 1.5km fence of the university estimated to cost over N60m.
It was suspected that the host communities of the university did the unwholesome act.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday, the FUTO Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Eze stated that the fence was wilfully demolished by the host communities, who he said had been encroaching into the land belonging to the institution.
“In the early hours of Tuesday, March 13, 2018, some disgruntled elements from Umuanunu Obinze completely destroyed the entire stretch of the fence measuring about 1.5 kilometres in Umuanunu-Obinze axis.
“As if it was not enough, the host communities have also gone into excavating sand from the Otamiri river that passed through the university, grossly endangering the bridge that links the administrative block with the main campus of the university,” the VC said.
Eze however, stated that the incident had been reported to appropriate authorities, but no arrests had been made.
He further said that the university management was determined to ensure the completion of the fence.
“We also intend to continue to engage the representatives of the host communities in robust, constructive and meaningful dialogue towards the peace resolution of all contentious land issues,” he added.
In another development, Eze disclosed that a total number of 2,325 graduands would be awarded with first degrees, while 438 post graduate degrees and diploma would be conferred on deserving candidates on the 30th convocation of the university, expected to hold on Saturday (today).
He also said that the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Nsima Ekere, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Drugs Ltd., Sir Tony Ezenna and General Manager, Exploration, Esso Exploration Production Ltd, Mr. Andrew Ejayeriese would be conferred with doctorates (honoris causa) in different disciplines.
Punch
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