The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has confirmed the death of Godwin Akpakpan, a 300-level student of Computer Science, who was allegedly killed by unidentified security personnel.

Akpakpan was reportedly apprehended by security operatives during a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred late on April 16, as the deceased was returning from his brother’s lounge.

An eyewitness familiar with the incident told NAN that while the officers were conducting a search on Akpakpan, an altercation ensued between the security personnel and a group of individuals dressed in military uniform.

The confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire, during which Akpakpan was struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene.

Dr Sam Kpenu, Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations at UNIPORT, confirmed to journalists that the deceased was a registered student at the institution.

He stated that the university received news of the incident with profound shock and had commenced an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

“UNIPORT is also actively engaging with the relevant security authorities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“We anticipate a thorough investigation and expect that appropriate action will be taken to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

Kpenu urged students and other members of the university community to remain calm and to allow the relevant agencies to carry out their investigations without disruption.

He affirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of its staff and students, stating that necessary measures would continue to be implemented to uphold the principles.

“We extend our condolences to the Akpakpan family, his friends, and colleagues during this deeply distressing time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Kpenu concluded.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, also confirmed the death of Akpakpan, stating that the command had launched an investigation into the incident.

The fatal shot was not fired by a police officer, but rather by personnel identified as belonging to the military.

However, she declined to reveal the specific security agency involved.

“The Police Command is aware of the incident that resulted in the death of a 300-level student of UNIPORT.

“The command, in collaboration with a sister security agency, has commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the shot was fired by a military personnel,” Iringe-Koko stated. (NAN)

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu  State has assured residents of the state that his administration will continue to prioritize and support all initiatives promoting safety on roads.

Mbah gave the assurance in an address at the 2025 National Workshop for Driving School Proprietors and Instructors holding in Enugu on Thursday.

The theme of the two-day workshop was “Entrenching Highway Safety in Nigeria Through Standardised Drivers and Riders Training”.

Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Sunday Ajogwu, the governor noted that the state would continue to put up legislative support, infrastructure investments or policy reforms to ensure avoidable accidents were checked on roads.

“We recognise that transportation safety is not merely a technical issue – it is a moral imperative.

“Let us not reduce this workshop to another ceremonial gathering, but rather, let it be a transformational platform that strengthens the building blocks of a safer road in Nigeria,” he said.

Mbah also congratulated the FRSC leadership, particularly the Corps Marshal and the training department for their vision and dedication.

In an address, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, said that driving school remained the first point of contact between would-be drivers and the culture of road safety.

Represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr Chidiebere Nkwonta, the Corps Marshal noted that “if the foundation at the driving school is weak, no amount of enforcement, engineering, or emergency response could sufficiently bridge gap.”

According to him, it is, therefore, critical that all driving school proprietors and instructors recognise the sacredness of their role in nation building.

He said: “Our Driving Schools Standardization Programme (DSSP) was established as a comprehensive framework to improve the quality, uniformity, and integrity of drivers training nationwide.

“Since its inception, we have witnessed significant progress through improved training curricula; adoption of driving simulators in approved schools; increased compliance with minimum operational standards; and a more structured and credible licensing process.

“However, there are still significant gaps.

“Some schools continue to cut corners. Some prioritise profit over safety. Some struggle with infrastructural deficits, regulatory compliance, and the professional development of their instructors.”

The corps marshal said that the workshop would provide the opportunity to collectively address these gaps.

“The selected lecture topics including the examination of the trucking industry’s impact on highway safety, the economic prospects standardized rider training, and an honest reflection on the DSSP journey are – designed to challenge our assumptions, and inspire collective action.

“Moreover, the second day’s Technical Session is particularly critical. It acknowledges the reality that regulation without consultation often breeds resentment and non-compliance,” he added.

He said that years of organising the annual driving school training had yielded incremental reorientation among drivers especially as all driving schools followed the DSSP protocols and guidelines before a license is issued.

Speaking, an Honourary FRSC Special Marshal, Chief Felix Ajim, commended the FRSC management for finding practical solutions to the challenges confronting the driving school industry leading to poor driving culture and avoidable accidents.

“We appreciate the FRSC management for the humanitarian efforts to ensure that all road users are safe and the corps is doing it in a proactive manner, starting with the first point a would-be driver, beginning from – the approved FRSC Driving Schools,” he said.

The State Director of Vehicles Inspection Office (VIO), Mr Val Chime, said that the place of VIO testing examination for all would-be driver should never be jettison as it completes the training of a would-be driver before obtaining a license.

Responding, Mrs Gloria Ugbebo, a driving instructor with Intergrated Automative Services Limited, Calabar, thanked the FRSC for standardising and sanitising driving in the country through a uniformed DSSP protocols and guidelines.

Ugbebo, one of the participants at the workshop, said, “The FRSC regulations have brought dignity and procedure in the driving school industry and the yearly training have continue to shape the industry for the better.”

The two-day workshop is being attended by driving school proprietors and instructors from Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu States. (NAN)

The Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA), on Thursday fixed the screening test of shortlisted applicants for June 14.

The Academy Spokesman, Maj. Mohammad Maidawa made the announcement, in a statement, in Kaduna.

Maidawa said, “The Nigerian Defence Academy hereby notifies all applicants to the 77 Regular Course that the shortlisted  for the screening test on 14 June, is based on the official UTME results sent by JAMB to the Nigerian Defence Academy.

“Candidates are advised to check the portal to eliminate network issues as the reason for not being shortlisted.

” Afterwards, those who were not shortlisted for the screening test are advised to verify the current status of their results from the JAMB, “Maidawa said.