Tension gripped the University of Benin (UNIBEN) community in Edo State after a deadly attack occurred near the institution’s main gate, leaving one person dead and two others seriously injured.
The incident, which happened yesterday, has sparked widespread concern and several speculations online, with many initially linking the attack to cult-related violence. However, reports gathered from eyewitnesses at the scene suggest there is currently no confirmed evidence connecting the victim to any cult group.
According to accounts from witnesses, the victim identified as Junior was inside a vehicle with two other occupants at the time of the attack — a girl seated in the front passenger seat and another young man seated in the back.
Eyewitnesses described the attack as sudden and terrifying. They said the assailants arrived in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle without a registration plate. The attackers were reportedly masked, heavily armed and carrying assault rifles.
Witnesses claimed that immediately the attackers stepped out of their vehicle, Junior attempted to escape by reversing his car. However, his vehicle reportedly crashed into another car behind him, leaving him trapped and unable to flee.
The attackers were said to have opened fire mainly toward the driver’s side of the vehicle. During the attack, the female passenger was reportedly hit in the stomach, while the male passenger seated at the back also sustained gunshot injuries.
Junior, who was driving the car, was reportedly shot multiple times during the incident. Witnesses further alleged that the gunmen continued firing even after exhausting their first round of ammunition, reloading their weapons before shooting again.
He was confirmed dead at the scene, while the two injured occupants were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Witnesses said some passersby attempted to assist the injured girl by covering her wound with a cloth before she was taken away for medical attention. Their current condition has not yet been officially confirmed.
Sources identified Junior as a native of Ubaja in Edo State. People who claimed to know him described him as calm, respectful and not known for involvement in cult activities.
Eyewitnesses also alleged that documents recovered from the vehicle indicated that Junior was a part-time final-year student of the University of Benin and had reportedly just completed his examinations shortly before the attack happened.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the attackers and the motive behind the incident remain unknown. While some residents have speculated that the attack could be linked to personal or business-related issues, authorities have not released any official statement confirming the cause.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity around the university environment and within Edo State generally. Residents and students are now calling on the Edo State Government and the management of the University of Benin to strengthen security measures to prevent further violent attacks.
Many also stressed the need for stronger action against the circulation of illegal firearms and the increasing cases of armed violence across the country.
