By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Tension gripped the University of Benin (UNIBEN) community on Sunday after gunmen suspected to be cultists reportedly killed two persons and injured a student during a violent attack near the institution’s main gate in Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State.
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, has renewed concerns over cult-related violence around tertiary institutions and the growing insecurity within university communities across Nigeria.
According to reports by TheCable�, the assailants allegedly trailed a Mercedes GLK vehicle with Lagos registration number AAA 601 HT before intercepting it close to the university gate and opening fire on the occupants.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers riddled both the vehicle and its occupants with bullets, causing panic among students, traders and passersby in the area.
A middle-aged man believed to be the target of the attack was reportedly killed on the spot, while another victim identified by onlookers as a part-time student in the Department of Political Science also lost his life.
Videos circulating online showed the bullet-riddled vehicle parked near the scene as residents gathered in shock following the attack.
In a statement confirming the development, the National Association of Biochemistry Students at UNIBEN disclosed that one of its students, a 400-level female undergraduate, was hit by a stray bullet during the incident.
“We can confirm that a 400-level Biochemistry student was caught in the crossfire during the encounter. A bullet pierced her shoulder and rib. She has suffered significant blood loss, but she’s stable now,” the association stated.
The University of Benin management, however, distanced the institution from the violence, insisting preliminary findings indicated that the incident was linked to cult clashes occurring outside campus premises.
Benedicta Ehanire, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, said in a statement that neither staff nor students of the university were involved in the cult confrontation.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the said incident is a fallout of cult activities outside the Campus and does not involve any university staff or students,” the statement read.
“Management of the University, while expressing regrets over the loss of life, urges members of the University community to remain vigilant and to go about their academic activities on campus peacefully.”
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful as calls to the police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, reportedly did not connect at the time of filing this report.
The latest attack adds to a growing list of cult-related killings that have continued to threaten safety in parts of Edo State, particularly around higher institutions. Security analysts warn that recurring clashes among rival cult groups could further endanger students and residents if authorities fail to intensify surveillance and intelligence operations around campuses.
The development may also trigger renewed calls for tighter security coordination between university authorities and law enforcement agencies, especially in areas surrounding major institutions where cult activities have repeatedly surfaced.
