Tragedy at UNIBEN as Student is Shot Dead After Exam, Police Arrest 12 Suspected Cultists in Edo

Panic and grief swept through the University of Benin community after an unidentified student was shot dead by masked gunmen on Sunday evening at the institution’s Ugbowo campus.

According to eyewitness accounts, the student was attacked at close range inside his GLK Mercedes Benz shortly after completing examinations at the Department of Political Science. The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the vehicle before fleeing the scene immediately after the attack.

Two other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries during the shooting and were rushed to the university’s health centre for medical treatment.

Officers from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters later arrived at the scene and evacuated the victim’s remains. The Divisional Police Officer, Emmanuel, stated that details surrounding the incident were still unclear, noting that an official statement would be released after preliminary investigations.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has intensified efforts against cult-related violence across the state, arresting 12 suspected cultists in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

The suspects were apprehended at Amazing Grace Estate in Elele Community, Uzairue, following what police described as credible intelligence gathered by operatives working alongside the Edo State Security Corps.

Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem disclosed that the operation was carried out on May 7, adding that seven of the suspects confessed to belonging to notorious cult groups, including the Aye and Vikings confraternities.

Security operatives also recovered a grey Mercedes Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, allegedly linked to a fugitive identified as Balogun Israel.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised officers involved in the raid for their professionalism and swift response, reiterating the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and violent crimes in the state.

Agbonika further warned criminals to either desist from unlawful activities or leave the state, stressing that security agencies remain prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening public peace and safety.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit and are expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.