A 500-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was killed by suspected cultists on Friday evening inside the school premises. The student was shot dead in his car near the Anatomy Department after writing an examination.
Three other students who were injured by the gunmen were taken to the hospital for treatment. The attack was said to be part of a renewed cult war that had claimed several lives in and around the school.
The Student Union executive confirmed the incident and said it happened when the students were returning to their hostels. He said the cultists invaded the campus and targeted their rival members.
The incident triggered fear and confusion among the students and staff members who ran for safety. Some students captured the scene on their phones and shared it on social media.
The video showed a red car riddled with bullet holes. The body of the deceased student was seen being carried out of the car and loaded into a pick-up van.
The school’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, did not respond to inquiries about the incident. The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he had not been briefed about it.
He said: “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 is not the first time that cult violence has rocked UNIBEN. A few months ago, a final-year student was shot dead in his room at the Hall 3 hostel by unknown assailants.