Tragedy Strikes: UNIBEN Final Year Student Gunned Down in Cult Clash

In a heart-wrenching incident, a final year student at the University of Benin, a 500-level scholar, met an untimely end as he was reportedly shot dead on the campus. The tragedy unfolded amid an escalating feud between rival cult groups within the institution, casting a somber cloud over the academic community.

Renewed Campus Violence

The campus was rocked by this latest episode of violence, leaving not only the academic community but also the nation in shock. As the final year students were wrapping up their examinations and retiring to their hostels on a fateful Friday evening, members of a cult group struck the Anatomy Department, situated near the institution’s back gate.

In a chilling act, the assailants took the life of a fellow student, shooting him at close range inside his car. The shocking event didn’t stop there; three other students suffered gunshot wounds as they tried to escape the attackers. Panic gripped the campus, and students and staff scrambled for safety, a scene that’s become all too familiar in recent times.

Spreading Turmoil

This recent tragedy follows a series of unfortunate events, as a clash between rival groups initially erupted in the Ekiadolor area, a community near the university. That conflict reportedly claimed the lives of around three individuals before spilling over onto the Ugbowo campus, escalating the violence to an alarming level.

A viral video capturing the incident displayed a red car bearing the grim scars of bullets. The lifeless body of a young man was carefully extracted from the car and placed at the back of a pickup van for transportation, serving as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of such violence.

Seeking Answers and Accountability

As the university community grapples with this latest tragedy, the quest for answers and accountability remains at the forefront. The UNIBEN Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, was unresponsive to inquiries at the time of this report. The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, likewise stated that he had not been briefed on the incident.

In the face of this tragedy, the academic community mourns the loss of a promising student and grapples with the pressing need to address the root causes of campus violence. The hope is that this tragedy will serve as a call to action for lasting change.