Port Harcourt: The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has confirmed the death of Godwin Akpakpan, a 300-level student of Computer Science, allegedly killed by suspected unidentified security personnel.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that security operatives reportedly apprehended Akpakpan during a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred late on April 16, as the deceased was returning from his brother’s lounge.
An eyewitness familiar with the incident told NAN that while the officers were searching Akpakpan, an altercation ensued between the security personnel and a group of individuals dressed in military uniform. The confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire, during which Akpakpan got struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene.
Dr Sam Kpenu, Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations at UNIPORT, confirmed to journalists that the deceased was a registered student.
He stated that the university received news of the incident with profound shock and had commenced an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“UNIPORT is also actively engaging with the relevant security authorities to comprehensively understand this tragic incident’s circumstances.
“We anticipate a thorough investigation and expect that appropriate action will be taken to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.
Kpenu urged students and other university community members to remain calm and allow the relevant agencies to conduct their investigations without disruption.
He affirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of its staff and students, stating that necessary measures must be implemented to uphold these principles.
“We extend our condolences to the Akpakpan family, his friends, and colleagues during this deeply distressing time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Kpenu concluded.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, also confirmed the death of Akpakpan, stating that the command had launched an investigation into the incident.
She told NAN that the fatal shot was not fired by a police officer but rather by personnel identified as belonging to the military.
However, she declined to reveal the specific security agency involved.
“The Police Command is aware of the incident that resulted in the death of a 300-level student of UNIPORT.
“The command, in collaboration with a sister security agency, has commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“Preliminary findings indicate that a military personnel fired the shot,” Iringe-Koko stated.