UNICROSS Land Encroachment Fuels Security Challenges, Vice-Chancellor Alleges

|By Adejumo Adekunle – UNICROSS land encroachment is worsening security challenges at the University of Cross River State, according to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francesca Bassey.

Speaking during a visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, HRM Hogan Itam, Prof. Bassey accused alleged land encroachers of driving criminal activities around the institution.

She said illegal occupation of university land had contributed to theft, attempted attacks on students and the sale of illicit drugs within and around the campus.

Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the university had lost more than N300 million to the theft of cables, windows and other equipment from several faculties and facilities.

According to her, the UNICROSS land encroachment has also delayed major infrastructure projects and prevented the institution from fully using land acquired for educational purposes.

Prof. Bassey alleged that university security personnel recently came under attack while trying to stop an individual from developing property on university land. She said members of the encroaching community chased the officers away, disrupting enforcement efforts.

However, the Efut traditional leadership condemned the alleged encroachment and related crimes, including vandalism and attacks on security personnel.

The royal fathers reaffirmed their support for the university and pledged to work with management to restore peace, law and order.

Meanwhile, the university insists that addressing UNICROSS land encroachment remains critical to improving campus security and advancing development projects.