The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Ayingba, Kogi State, has confirmed the arrest of two students in connection with the killing of a 300-level Biochemistry student, Mr. David Ocholi Solomon, in an incident that has thrown the institution into mourning.
The tragic development was disclosed on Saturday during a condolence visit by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, to the family of the deceased in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. According to a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the suspects were apprehended within two hours of the incident through the efforts of the university’s internal security team.
The statement noted that the suspects have since been handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for a comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution. The killing of the young undergraduate has sparked shock and sadness among students, staff, alumni, and residents of the university community, many of whom have expressed grief over the loss of a promising student whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances.
Speaking during the visit to the bereaved family, Professor Ogbo described the incident as heartbreaking and one that has deeply affected the entire university community. He explained that he received the disturbing news while attending the 35th Annual National Conference and Convention of the Nigerian Political Science Association held at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the information came as a rude shock and instantly cast a shadow over the university’s participation in the academic gathering. “The suspects were arrested by the internal security of the University, and they have been handed over to the law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution,” Ogbo stated.
“I received news of the unfortunate incident while attending the 35th Annual National Conference and Convention of the Nigerian Political Science Association at the University of Ibadan. “This is deeply painful and distressing, as the news plunged the entire University community into mourning,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor conveyed the condolences of the university management, staff, and students to the family of the deceased, assuring them that the institution would cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure that justice is served. He stressed that the university has zero tolerance for violence, criminality, or any form of conduct capable of threatening the safety and well-being of members of the academic community.
Professor Ogbo also commended the university’s internal security personnel for their swift response, which led to the arrest of the suspects within a short period after the incident occurred. The prompt action, he said, demonstrated the institution’s commitment to maintaining security on campus and ensuring that criminal acts do not go unchecked.
While details surrounding the circumstances of the killing have not yet been made public, university authorities indicated that ongoing investigations by security agencies would reveal the facts of the case. The management appealed to students and members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation that could hinder the investigation process.
The death of David Ocholi Solomon has continued to generate reactions across social media platforms, where fellow students and friends have paid glowing tributes to him, describing him as friendly, hardworking, and dedicated to his studies. Many students have also called for greater security measures within and around the university environment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
During the condolence visit, members of the deceased’s family reportedly expressed gratitude to the university management for identifying and apprehending the suspects promptly. They also appealed for a thorough investigation and justice for their late son.
The tragic incident has once again drawn attention to concerns about safety within tertiary institutions and the need for stronger preventive measures to protect students. As investigations continue, the university community remains united in grief, mourning the loss of a young scholar whose future was filled with promise.
For now, attention is focused on the ongoing investigation by law enforcement agencies, with many hoping that the circumstances surrounding the killing will soon be uncovered and that those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The death of David Ocholi Solomon marks a dark moment in the history of Prince Abubakar Audu University, leaving students, lecturers, and family members struggling to come to terms with a tragedy that has shaken the institution to its core.
