500-level student killed as UNIBEN boils

A 500-level student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has lost his life in a violent clash between rival cult groups within the university campus. This unfortunate incident occurred during a renewed wave of cult violence.

During the attack, three other students suffered various degrees of injuries and were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

The distressing event unfolded on a Friday evening when a marauding cult faction infiltrated the campus. Their initial target was located near the Anatomy Department’s back gate, and the situation escalated as they moved on to the Physical Science and Laboratory Department.

Tragically, the student who lost his life was shot at close range while sitting in his car, while the three injured students were caught in the crossfire as they attempted to escape the chaos.

A state of alarm swept over the students and staff at the campus as they hurriedly sought refuge from the ongoing violence.

Sources indicated that this clash between rival factions initially erupted in the Ekiadolor area, located in the vicinity of the university, a few days prior, leading to the alleged loss of three lives.

Unfortunately, the conflict extended to the Ugbowo campus of the institution, causing a significant disturbance. A distressing video that went viral depicted a red car riddled with bullet holes, and the lifeless body of a man being removed from the vehicle and placed in the rear of a pickup van.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, mentioned that he had not received any official information regarding the incident.

He stated, “I am yet to be briefed of such an incident. When I get the brief, I will let you know, but for now, no information.”

This incident follows a similar tragedy from a few months ago when a final-year student was shot dead in his room by unidentified gunmen at Hall 3 hostel on the university campus.