November 14, (THEWILL) – The management of the University of Abuja has honoured 44 staff of the safety unit of the institution for their role in the rescue of six staff and their family members abducted by gunmen from Giri Quarters on Tuesday, 2nd November 2021.
The vice-chancellor, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, in a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Habeeb Yaquob, said the 44 staff had done the University proud by working with security forces, including the police, DSS, Military and civil defence, to prevent the gunmen from abducting more staff as well as ensuring that those abducted were rescued without payment of a ransom.
He said, “I am pleased to express the profound appreciation of the University management for your role in the combined effort that resulted in the rescue of our staff and their children abducted by the bandits on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 from the Staff Quarters in Giri.
“You demonstrated exceptional commitment and bravery in the discharge of your duty which led to the timely rescue of our staff and their children from the clutches of the hoodlums. But for your courage the story of the abduction might have been different. It is in recognition of this feat that the management, today decides to honour you all. Indeed you have given the University community the hope of protection.”
According to the vice-chancellor, the University of Abuja is the only public university in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and should be protected by the government, various stakeholders and well-meaning people.
While giving assurances that the safety of staff will continue to receive the support of the University, the vice-chancellor said the institution’s management would give them a token as a mark of its appreciation.
He specially recognized the role of the chief safety officer, Barrister Abdullahi Burga, who he said coordinated the safety team effectively.
Na’Allah explained that even though the incident shocked the University community, it also demonstrated the resolve, commitment and the world’s love for the University of Abuja.
