UNIVER_SIT¥ WOFMAIPUQURI

rE

3' October, 2019

'
PRESS
RELEASE
Our attentionhasbeendrawnto a reporton Sunday,
22ndSeptember,
2019,thateighteen
members of an alleged cult group called Neo Black Movement of Africa World-wide
were arrested at a place called Baghani Hotel by ajoint team of security operatives on the
extreme end of Abuja Talakawa (about thirty kilometres away from the university
campus). It was further reported that the alleged cultists, who were said to have included
some University of Maiduguri students and other categories of persons, were
apprehended while performing initiation rites on new members.
Since the report of the incident was made public by the Nigeria Police Force,
Management has been cooperating fully with all security agencies. In view of the
sensitivity of the matter, Management had decided not to make any public statement so
as not to jeopardise the ongoing investigation.
Unfortunately, as we await the outcome of the investigation, a number of concerned
stakeholders, including friends of the University, have been expressing serious concern
about reports on some social media alleging that University of Maiduguri students/staff
who are on payroll of Boko Haram rounded up! and that they are insiders, informants.
Such gargantuan claims, coming shortly after the recent attack on the university campus
by persons suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents, are capable of misleading members
of the general public, particularly parents, guardians and government institutions into
unfounded conclusions about the roles of staff and students in the unfolding insurgency.
It needs to be clarified that since the outbreak of the insurgency in 2009, the University
Management has never found any credible evidence implicating any of its staff or
students as a collaborator/informant in the conflict, as it is being alleged online.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has officially confirmed to the University that This office
is investigating offences
theabovecaptioned theabovelistedsuspects
against whoclaim
to be your students. Therefore, in view of the gravity of the allegations, Management
maintains its position not to interfere with the ongoing process of investigation. Parents,
guardians, stat?" and students are hereby assured that the University will take all necessary
steps to ensure strict enforcement of its widely known anti-eultism rules and regulations
as well as the safety and security of their wards.
As we await a formal report from the Nigeria Police Force, members of the public are
strongly advised to disregard the current unfounded claims, rumours and uninformed
commentary on the social media about the issue.

Pro e sor Danju a Gambo

Director, Radio and Public Relations