A 500-level student of the University of Benin has been reportedly shot dead inside the campus in a renewed war between rival cult groups in the institution.
Three other students who were said to have sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
A Student Union executive said the incident happened on Friday evening when the students were retiring to their hostels.
The source said members of the cult group stormed the Anatomy Department, close to the back gate of the institution where they killed the victim after the students finished writing their examination.
It was gathered that the deceased student was shot at a close range in his car. Three others were also shot while they were trying to escape from the gunmen.
The incident caused panic among the students and staff members on campus as they scampered for safety.
Another student said a fight between rival groups broke out in the Ekiadolor area, a community next to the school some days ago in which about three persons were allegedly killed before spreading to the Ugbowo campus of the institution.
A viral video of the incident showed a red car with bullet holes. The body of a man was seen being removed from the car and taken to the back of a pick-up van where he was to be taken away.
Efforts to get the reaction of the school’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, proved abortive as she did not reply to two messages sent to her through WhatsApp.
When contacted, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Chidi Nwabuzor said he was yet to be informed of the incident.
“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.”
A few months ago a final-year student at the Hall 3 hostel of the University of Benin was shot dead in his room by gunmen.
