ZikPress interviews the Defence Minister of the Hall, Enamudu Peter and Chief Security Officer of the Hall, Joshua Ogunrinde concerning the issue of the Hall’s security.
What do you think are the factors responsible for the recent cases of theft in the Hall?
Chief Security Officer: I must say the nonchalant attitude of the members that stay in each room by not locking their doors when going to the toilet, bathroom and their friend’s room and also the nonchalant attitude of the members on each floor that leads to most of the theft cases by not challenging new faces on their floor, and lastly the faulty floor lights that led to total darkness of each floor which makes it impossible to see any movement/activities going on the floor.
As the Chief Security Officer, kindly suggest safety tips Zikites should adhere to with the recent cases of theft in the Hall.
Chief Security Officer: From the analysis of the theft cases, here are the things I will recommend:
1. The floor representatives should make sure that all their floor lights are being fixed.
2. The floor representatives in conjunction with any member of the defense team should check on every room on their floor both day and night once in a while.
3. It will be good if all floor representatives can suggest a code for their respective floors. e.g. If your block is D-block and the floor is 2nd floor then you can develop a code by saying D2 and the person you’re saying it too must reply back by saying 2D.
4. If your roommate mistakenly goes to the next room without locking the door, “vex for am” at that moment and tell him if anything is missing in the room he will be held responsible.
5. If there’s a new face on the floor chat with the person and follow him to where he is going and if the person he ask for is not on the floor kindly see him off, but if seen again on the floor do well to challenge him.
Mr Defence Minister, what has your administration done so far regarding securing the generality of residents of Zik Hall?
Defence Minister: Thank you sir for your question. First off, I am Enamudu Peter Omogagbor aka MrPee. Regarding securing the generality of residents of Zik Hall which is one of my constitutional responsibilities, the administration has engaged in several room-to-room sensitization and security orientation to members of the hall. We, Defence Team have engaged in series of room to room security checks/patrols.
Zik Hall Defence Minister, Enamudu Peter
What have been the challenges so far?
Defence Minister: The challenges are numerous to mention a few. I will just classify our challenge into three.
- The new normal: First of all, The current situation we all face as a result of the reducing the population in a room from 4 down to 2 has kind of exposed the rooms such that anyone can walk into a room and easily scout out loopholes in that room. In addition to, this also affected the Defence Team because most of our members were not accommodated.
- The school/hall management: They are trying but not well enough to ensure that the rooms locks are in perfect conditions.
The mode of intake of students in the Hall did not favor the Defence Team members which resulted in short of members because 50% wasn’t able to get accommodation. And I’ll use this opportunity to plead with the management to always consider serving members in situations like this.
- Zikites: A lot of zikites are just too careless about the state of security of themselves and their properties due to over familiarity. “ZIKISM” which is Oneness, Togetherness and Brotherhood seems to have overclouded our security consciousness. You see a lot of zikites leaving their rooms without locking doors and louvers properly also not ready to take personal responsibility of their own security.
What is the disposition of the Defence Team to the recent cases of theft in the Hall?
Defence Minister: I will not lie to you, we feel disappointed because of the recent cases of theft in the Hall which is alarming and zikites expects much from us. But frankly I’ll say to you that we are trying our best to see that theft in the Hall is at a very minimal
What are your admonitions to Zikites at this point on time, especially pertaining to security?
Defence Minister: Those who engage in such activities (theft) should put a stop to it because it will never take them anywhere higher in life. I have always state this out on many occasions that Zikites should:
- Avoid having lots of friends around because someone who you think may be your friend might end up being the backstabber.
- Familiarize with those on your floor so as to recognize the strange faces and challenge anybody who is not supposed to be on your floor.
- Lock your doors at all times either they’re in or out or their rooms.
- Beware of those who stray around asking for unnecessary info(they could use that to penetrate you) and identify such an individual.
- When you’re leaving your rooms close all louvres, put off your light, curtain down and inform those next door.
- Keep gadgets inside inner wardrobe and lock
- When you are going to bed at night, make sure all doors are securely locked and lights off.
I know one day is coming that we will surely get those we engaged in such activities and they will face the wrath of the law.
