The Rivers State University in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has taken disciplinary action against four students following a violent incident involving their fellow student, Victor Tobins. These students, who held positions within the university’s Man ‘O’ War security group, have been suspended for one academic session.
The university’s acting Registrar, Mrs. I. B. S. Harry, announced the suspensions on Saturday morning. According to Mrs. Harry, the actions of the Man ‘O’ War members violated the university’s regulations and warranted serious consequences.
The suspended students are Monsi Baridukaka Nwaaelibabari from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Victor Chibuike Daniel from the Department of Animal Science, Ezems Ikechukwu Goodluck from the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Wilson Jacob Ree-Ugani from the Department of Marine Engineering. They were found to have assaulted Victor Tobins, a 300-level Sociology student, causing significant injuries on June 12, 2024, at Hostel F on the university campus.
In the official statement, the university emphasized its commitment to maintaining a peaceful and orderly environment. “The management enjoined the student population to continue to live in peace and harmony and comply scrupulously with all the rules and regulations of the university,” the statement read.
The incident has prompted a strong response from the student body. Following the assault on Tobins, students staged a protest demanding the immediate disbandment of the Man ‘O’ War group on campus. The protest escalated, leading to a temporary disruption of a meeting between the school management, the Students Union Government, and the local security outfit.
Law enforcement officers from the Okpolu Division in Mile Three, Port Harcourt, alongside the Vice Chancellor, intervened to address the students’ grievances. The protesting students were assured that appropriate actions would be taken within 24 hours to address the issue.