By EMMANUEL SAMUEL, YOLA
The management of the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, has debunked claims that an arms cache was discovered in the institution’s mosque.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, who vehemently denied the allegations, described the report as a calculated attempt to tarnish the good image of the institution.
Umar disclosed that a media report had claimed that an arms cache was discovered at the institution’s mosque, creating fears and suspicion in not only the institution, but the entire state.
The rector, who spoke during the monthly press conference with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel at the institutions conference hall, disclosed that a national newspaper (not The Point) had reported that an arms catch was discovered at the institution’s mosque.
The rector described the report as a mere figment of the imagination of the reporter and the newspaper, saying it was a clear attempt to blackmail the institution.
Umar said, “What really happened as explained to me by the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic was that some people later identified as students, had been sleeping in the mosque and we said after Ishai prayers the mosque should be locked up.
“You see, I explained extensively to the reporter that nothing like that happened and should, therefore, not believe in the rumour.”
He, however, alleged that the reporter of the news had once sought to be given an advertisement slot, but his request was rejected because the institution could not afford to do that.
“Since then this reporter continued to disturbed me with calls and even when I invited him to come, he refused and the next thing was this report,” the rector claimed.
He also accused the reporter of trying to cause a religious crisis as people could misconstrue such a false report.
Umar said that considering the bomb blast that occurred three years ago and the current threat posed a gang, the ‘Shila boys’, anything could happen in the state with the publication of such a false report.
He noted since Adamawa State has a large population of both Christians and Muslims, journalists should only report facts and be objective in their reportage.
Also speaking, Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Felix Agana, said no arms were found in the mosque.
He disclosed that the report about the findings was being sent to the security agencies for necessary findings and action, since the report indicted the police and the Department of State Servces.
