In a horrifying incident, a final year student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) lost his life to a renewed cult clash between rival groups on the campus. The violence also left three other students with varying degrees of injuries, necessitating their immediate hospitalization.
The incident unfolded on a Friday evening, as a hostile cult group infiltrated the campus, targeting specific individuals in the anatomy department. After their initial attack, they proceeded to the physical science and laboratory departments. Tragically, this wave of violence struck immediately after students had completed their examinations.
The fatal shooting of the final year student occurred at close range within his car, while the three other victims were shot while attempting to escape from the assailants.
The harrowing situation caused panic and chaos among the students and staff on campus as they desperately sought safety from the unfolding violence.
According to sources, the rivalry between cult groups initially erupted in the Ekiadolor area, a suburb near the university, and later spilled over to the Ugbowo campus, resulting in this devastating incident.
A viral video circulating online depicted a red car riddled with bullet holes, and the lifeless body of a man being removed from the vehicle and transported to a pickup van for further handling.
In response to inquiries about the incident, the command’s spokesperson, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, stated that he had not been officially briefed on the situation. He added, “I am yet to be informed of such an incident. When I receive the brief, I will provide you with further details. As of now, I have no information.”
This tragic occurrence serves as a painful reminder of the security challenges faced by students at UNIBEN, following the shooting death of a final-year student in his hostel room a few months ago by suspected gunmen.
