Fear and tension gripped the University of Benin community on Sunday evening after a part-time student was reportedly shot dead by suspected cultists near the institution’s main gate.
The deadly attack occurred at about 6 p.m. along the busy Benin–Lagos Road, directly outside the Ugbowo campus, sending students, motorists, and residents into panic as gunshots rang out in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers intercepted the victim’s vehicle and opened fire repeatedly through the windshield before fleeing the scene. The student was said to have died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.
Others Injured in Attack
The violence reportedly left at least two or three other persons injured, including passengers in nearby vehicles and a female passerby who was caught in the chaos. The injured victims were rushed to the university’s health centre for emergency treatment.
The shocking incident caused heavy traffic congestion around the campus axis as frightened students and commuters scrambled for safety.
UNIBEN Reacts
Reacting to the development, the management of the University of Benin described the incident as a spillover of external cult-related activities and not an attack originating from within the institution.
Authorities temporarily shut the campus gate shortly after the shooting to prevent further escalation and allow security operatives to take control of the area.
The university also appealed for calm among students while investigations continue.
Committee Chairman Resigns
In another dramatic twist, the Chairman of the university’s Cult Renunciation Committee reportedly resigned following the incident, claiming earlier warnings about possible cult clashes around the campus environment were ignored.
The resignation has intensified conversations about growing insecurity and cult-related violence in and around tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Governor, Police Condemn Killing
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation into the attack.
Meanwhile, police authorities confirmed that investigations have commenced, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend those behind the shooting.
The incident has triggered renewed public concern over campus security, with students and residents calling for tighter surveillance and stronger action against cultism in Edo State.
As of the time of filing this report, security presence around the Ugbowo campus had been intensified while tension remained high in the area.
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