By Ghazali Ibrahim
A part-time Political Science student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen near the institution’s Ugbowo campus in Edo State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday shortly after the student completed his semester examinations.
Eyewitnesses said the victim was inside a Mercedes-Benz vehicle when masked attackers approached and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
Two other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries during the attack and were rushed to the University of Benin Health Centre for treatment.
A student who witnessed the incident said the victim appeared to have died instantly from the gunshots.
“They shot him at close range, and there was no way he could have survived the attack. Two others who were in the vehicle were also injured and taken to the school’s health centre,” the witness said.
Reacting to the killing, the management of the University of Benin distanced the institution from the incident, suggesting it might be linked to suspected cult-related activities outside the university environment.
The university expressed sadness over the development and urged students and staff to remain calm, vigilant, and continue their academic activities peacefully.
The management also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of members of the university community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident.
