Security breaches at UNICROSS linked to alleged land grabbers – VC

The Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francesca Bassey, has attributed the university’s escalating security problems to alleged land encroachers.

During a visit over the weekend, Bassey led the university management team to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Hogan Itam, to request intervention over continued encroachment on university property.

She presented documents supporting the university’s ownership claims and compensation records, expressing concern that illegal occupation of university land was fueling criminal activity within and around the campus.

According to Bassey, residents in the encroached areas are linked to incidents of theft, attempted rape of students, and the sale of illicit drugs on campus.

She said the institution has suffered losses exceeding N300 million from the theft of cables, sliding windows and other equipment from the Faculties of Engineering, Education and Physical Sciences, the University Staff School, the new auditorium and other facilities.

Bassey stated that the situation has become a major setback to the university’s development efforts and to the safety of students and staff.

She further alleged that university security personnel were recently attacked while attempting to stop an individual from laying a building foundation on land belonging to the institution.

According to her, the officers were chased away by persons from the encroaching community, disrupting efforts to prevent the illegal occupation and development of university property.

The Vice‑Chancellor noted that persistent encroachment has hindered the university’s ability to utilise land acquired for educational purposes and has slowed the execution of critical infrastructure projects.

In response, the Efut traditional leadership condemned the alleged encroachment and associated criminal activities, including theft, vandalism and attacks on security personnel.

The royal fathers reaffirmed their support for UNICROSS, acknowledging its contributions to education, economic growth and community development, and pledged to work with the university to ensure peace, law and order are maintained.