The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that the case involving the killing of a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Godwin Akpakpan, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation. The student, a Computer Science undergraduate, was reportedly shot dead by a security operative in an off-campus incident.
A spokesperson for the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that the police are working in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure justice is served. “(The) case has been transferred to SCID for discrete investigation and a panel has been set up by the military with a representative of all service commanders in attendance on the matter,” she said. The police are determined to get to the bottom of the incident and ensure that justice is served.
The University of Port Harcourt has demanded a thorough investigation into the killing. In a statement signed by a university spokesman Dr Sam Kpenu, the institution expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and described Akpakpan as a “bonafide member of our academic community.” “The University is actively engaging with relevant security authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. We expect that a thorough investigation will be conducted and that appropriate actions will be taken in line with justice and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The university also urged students and staff to remain calm and allow the investigation process to proceed without interference. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this very difficult time,” the statement continued while reaffirming the management’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all students and staff. “May the soul of our dearly departed student rest in perfect peace,” he said.
The killing of the UNIPORT student has sparked widespread concern, and the police investigation is a step in the right direction. The university’s demand for a thorough investigation and the police’s commitment to justice are reassuring. It is hoped that the investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and that justice will be served. The university community is likely to be watching the developments closely, and the outcome of the investigation will be eagerly awaited.
