Taraba Varsity Closed Down Over Religious Crisis

The Vice Chancellor, of the university, Prof Geoffrey Okogbaa,  in telephone conversation with Daily Independent said the university has suspended its activities until normally returns to the area.

Wukari, a Local Government Area in Taraba State, Nigeria, has witnessed a disturbing rise in inter-religious and inter-ethnic violence that has claimed many lives.

On  April 14, 2014, about 15 people were killed when a Jukun village in Wukari was allegedly invaded by Fulani herdsmen.

In a Friday, May 2nd attack, about 39 persons were killed, 30 injured with as many  as 32 houses burnt leaving 3,000 displaced.

This is just one of the many attacks and counter attacks that have now totally grounded activities in the area with a 24-hour curfew imposed by the government.

Okogbaa explained that a curfew in place, it was impossible for the institution to operate normally.

He however said there were plans in place to make sure the academic calendar is not affected by the closure.

Okogba also noted that institution will foot the bills of students who have chosen to remain behind on the campus premises despite the closure.

The security of lives and properties is also assured, he said.