OGWASHI-UKU, DELTA STATE — The Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku (DSPG) Alumni Association has moved to correct what it described as “false and misleading narratives” circulating on social media regarding an incident that occurred during the institution’s matriculation ceremony held on Friday, February 6, 2026.
In an official statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of the Association, Efecha Collins Gold, and backed by the National President, Comr. Ufuoma Festus Onowakpor, the Alumni body dismissed widespread claims that students and police officers engaged in a gun duel during the event, insisting that such reports were entirely untrue.
According to the Alumni leadership, the situation stemmed from a brief confrontation involving students suspected to be members of two rival cult groups — the Ayes Confraternity and the Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Aro Baggar.” The disagreement reportedly caused tension within the campus environment, prompting swift intervention by security operatives present at the ceremony.
The Alumni President explained that officers of the Nigerian Police Force, alongside local vigilante personnel assigned to maintain order, responded promptly in an effort to control the situation and protect attendees. However, during the process, one member of the vigilante group allegedly fired a single gunshot into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd — an action which the Alumni Association described as unprofessional and inappropriate within an academic setting.
“The Nigerian Police officers on ground did not fire live ammunition at any time,” the statement clarified. “Instead, trained police personnel deployed teargas to safely disperse the crowd and restore calm after panic began spreading among students and guests who misinterpreted the sound of the vigilante gunshot.”
The Alumni Association strongly condemned the conduct of the vigilante member involved while emphasizing that the situation was quickly brought under control without escalation into violence or exchange of gunfire.
The Alumni body further disclosed that the viral video circulating widely on social media platforms was deliberately edited with multiple shooting sound effects, creating the false impression of an intense armed confrontation that never took place during the matriculation exercise. According to the Association, the manipulated footage significantly misrepresented the reality of events on campus and fueled unnecessary fear among the public.
The Association noted that the spread of the altered video was the primary reason it deemed it necessary to issue an official clarification, stressing that allowing such misinformation to persist could damage the reputation and public perception of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku both nationally and internationally.
Despite the temporary disruption, security operatives reportedly apprehended several individuals suspected to be involved in the clash. Authorities have since commenced investigations into the incident, with assurances that appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken where necessary.
The Alumni leadership also commended the Nigerian Police Force for their professionalism in managing the situation through non-lethal means and for ensuring that the matriculation ceremony concluded without further disturbances.
While reaffirming its commitment to the safety and progress of the institution, the DSPG Alumni Association urged students, stakeholders, and members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of inciting panic or tarnishing the image of the school.
“The truth must always prevail over sensationalism,” the statement read. “We encourage everyone to rely on credible sources of information and work collectively to protect the dignity and integrity of our alma mater.”
The Association concluded by reassuring parents, students, and the broader academic community that Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku remains a safe and conducive environment for learning, while security agencies continue to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures on campus.
