Kumi University closed, students sent home

Dec 09, 2013

Kumi University has been closed till further notice following continued riots and demonstrations by students over the Vice Chancellor''s resignation.

By Charles Achoda

Kumi University has been closed till further notice following continued riots and demonstrations by students over the Vice Chancellor's resignation.

The district police commander Kumi, Gasper Obingu Onzi said the university was closed following a decision by the University Council and security agencies.

Obingu said students have also been sent home till further notice.

According to police, the students turned rowdy on Sunday following the university VC, Dr Kim Young's resignation over undisclosed reasons.

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DPC Gasper Onzi, left, speaking to some of the students

But according to sources that preferred anonymity, Dr Kim Young’s contract is said to have ended and he is set to travel back to South Korea where he hails from.

It’s believed that this has brought all this confusion in the university,” said a source that preferred anonymity for fear of his job in the university.

Meanwhile, a total of 15 students of the University who were arrested yesterday are still being held by police in connection to the riots and demonstrations.

Gasper Obingu Onzi said the suspects were arrested as police engaged in running battles with students who turned rowdy on Sunday.

During the incident, Obingu said all the activities including weekend lectures were paralyzed as students expressed their concern accusing the administration of failing to explain why the VC was leaving the university to go back to South Korea.

“When we learnt of the incident, we quickly rushed to the scene and found students rioting and demonstrating. Unviersity vehicle tyres were deflated, administration offices and the chapel were blocked with stones, tyres, desks and many others,” Obingu explained.

He said the situation was later brought under control and 15 students were arrested to assist police with investigations .

Meanwhile, Obingu advised students to avoid taking the law in their hands saying they should always use amicable ways to sort out their grievances other than rioting and demonstrating over simple issues.

“This matter is administrative and very simple. I don’t see why students should go rowdy, it’s a waste of time. They should just know why they are at school”, Obingu said.

However, attempts by New Vision to get a comment from the university administration and student leaders were futile as all fled for safety of their lives.
 

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