A yet-to-identified student of the University of Benin was shot dead by masked gunmen in a JLK Mercedes-Benz while driving out of the main gate of the campus at Ugbowo on Sunday evening.
Eyewitnesses said the student was shot at close range by masked gunmen who later fled the scene.
The victim had reportedly finished his exams in the Political Science department about an hour earlier before he met his tragic end.
Two other victims in the JLK Mercedes-Benz who survived the attack were said to have been rushed to the University of Benin Health Care Center.
One student said, “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 rushed to the school’s health care center.”
Operatives from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters were at the scene evacuating the remains of the victim.
The DPO of the Divisional Police Headquarters, SP Emmanuel, said it was still too sketchy and they were yet to issue an official statement.
In a separate report, another student was allegedly chased with a machete at the Social Science Lecture Theatre on Saturday, but escaped unhurt.
Meanwhile, a reliable source told Radio Nigeria that the recent attacks on the university followed the resignation of the Chairman of the institution’s Cult Renunciation, Reconciliation, Reformation, Rehabilitation and Interfaith Committee, who reportedly accused the Vice Chancellor, Professor. Bright Edoba Omoregie, of ignoring repeated security alerts prior to the killing of the student near the university’s main gate.
The resignation, which came hours after the tragic incident, has heightened tension within the university community and reignited concerns over cult-related violence and growing insecurity around the campus environment.
It was gathered that the committee chairman, in his resignation letter, alleged that several warnings and recommendations aimed at preventing violent attacks within and around the institution were not acted upon by the university management.
Reacting to the development, The University of Benin dissociated its staff and students from the violent clash outside the Ugbowo Campus of the Institution.
A press Statement signed by , Dr Benedicta Ehanire, the Public Relations Officer of the University, said Preliminary reports indicate that the said incident is a fallout of cult activities outside the Campus and does not involve any University staff or student.
While expressing regrets over the reported fatality, the statement urges members of the University community to remain vigilant and to go about their academic activities on campus peacefully.
The University Spokesperson further explained that Management of the University of Benin has read with utter shock and disgust, an online write-up by one Miracle Chukwudi on spurious and unguided allegations against the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN.
Dr Ehanire explained that “The Management of the University views the said publication, precipitated by what it regards as the mischievous letter of resignation by the University-appointed Chairman of the Institution’s Committee on Cult Renunciation, Reconciliation , Reformation and Rehabilitation (CRC4) Venerable Osaze David Egbenusi, as most uncharitable to the Vice Chancellor who worked hard to ensure that the University of Benin was uplifted “.
The statement added that the University Management states that it was relieved by the resignation of Venerable Egbenusi as Chairman of the CRC4 Committee as he has literally not functioned effectively in that position.
It assured all stakeholders that the University campuses are calm and safe, reiterating that the Vice Chancellor remains committed to his agenda to lift the University of Benin to a much more higher pedestal .
By: Fortune Oyem, Benin City
