What was meant to be a joyful signing-out celebration for graduating students of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, in Edo State, turned bloody on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as two students were killed during a violent clash between rival cult groups.
The incident happened at a popular hotel in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, where students had gathered to mark the end of their final examinations.
According to eyewitnesses, the celebration was going smoothly until members of two well-known confraternities — the Black Axe Movement (commonly known as Aye) and the Eiye confraternity — got into a heated argument that quickly escalated.
Trouble reportedly started when members of one group fired gunshots into the air as part of their usual show of strength. Unfortunately, one of the stray bullets hit and damaged a parked Mercedes Benz belonging to a rival cult member.
A witness told our correspondent that the owner of the car believed the shooting was deliberate. “Even though the other group said the car was empty and it was a mistake, the owner’s friends didn’t take it lightly,” the source said.
What followed was a deadly confrontation. In the chaos that ensued, one person was reportedly shot dead, while another was said to have been run over by a vehicle driven by a member of the opposing group.
The violence disrupted the celebration and sent students and hotel staff running for safety. Security operatives later arrived at the scene to restore calm.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, stating that one person had been confirmed dead as of the time of the police report.
He added that investigations were ongoing and efforts were being made to apprehend those involved in the violent clash.
The latest incident has once again brought to the forefront the recurring problem of cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions, especially during student ceremonies such as matriculations, graduations, and signing-out parties.
Auchi Polytechnic, one of the most prominent federal polytechnics in Nigeria, has had past incidents involving cult-related violence. Community leaders and security experts have repeatedly called for stricter security measures on campuses and stronger action against secret cults.
Parents and students alike have expressed worry over the lack of adequate security during school events. A graduating student who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “We just came to celebrate, and now two people are gone. It’s really sad.”
