Tragedy struck at the weekend after a part-time student of University of Benin, popularly known as UNIBEN, was shot dead near the main gate of the institution’s Ugbowo campus in Benin City, Edo State.
The student, whose identity had not been officially released as of the time of filing this report, was reportedly attacked while inside his vehicle close to the university entrance on Sunday evening. The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, raising fears and tension among students and residents in the area.
A video circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the incident, with sympathisers and passersby gathered around the vehicle after the shooting. The footage, which has attracted reactions online, further heightened concerns about insecurity around the university environment.
According to reports, the victim had just completed his semester examinations before he was attacked. However, university authorities and security agencies have yet to confirm whether the student was returning from examination activities at the time of the incident.
The killing has thrown the university community into mourning, with many students expressing shock and sadness over the incident. Some students who spoke anonymously described the development as disturbing, especially as the area around the Ugbowo campus gate is usually busy with commercial activities and student movement.
Many students also raised concerns over growing insecurity around the university environment, calling on security agencies and the school management to strengthen safety measures to protect students and staff.
Reacting to the incident, the management of the University of Benin distanced members of the institution from the circumstances surrounding the killing while expressing sadness over the loss of the student.
In a statement made available to the university community, the institution appealed to students and staff to remain calm and continue their academic activities peacefully despite the tragic development.
The university also advised members of the campus community to remain security conscious at all times and report suspicious movements around the campus environment to the appropriate authorities.
The management further assured students and workers of its commitment to maintaining safety and order within the institution.
“The university is saddened by the unfortunate incident and urges members of the university community to remain calm, peaceful and security conscious,” the statement said in part.
The institution added that it would continue to work closely with relevant security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property within and around the campus.
As of Monday evening, the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the killing. There was also no confirmation on whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
Attempts by journalists to obtain details from police authorities were unsuccessful, as officials maintained silence over the development.
The incident has again brought attention to security challenges facing many tertiary institutions across Nigeria. In recent years, cases of armed robbery, cult-related violence, kidnapping and attacks on students have become major concerns in several university communities.
Benin City, the Edo State capital, has at different times recorded incidents linked to cult clashes and violent crimes, especially involving young people. Security agencies have repeatedly carried out operations aimed at tackling criminal groups in the state, but concerns over safety remain.
UNIBEN, one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities, has also witnessed security-related incidents in the past, including reports of cult activities and attacks around off-campus areas occupied by students.
Many parents and guardians have continued to express worries over the safety of students living in hostels and private accommodations outside school premises. Some have urged authorities to improve surveillance around campuses and increase patrols in areas known for criminal activities.
Student groups within the university have also reacted to the incident, with some calling for justice for the slain student. Others appealed to the police to carry out a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killing.
The death of the student has added to growing concerns over the safety of young Nigerians pursuing higher education in different parts of the country. Stakeholders in the education sector have repeatedly stressed that a safe learning environment is necessary for academic excellence and peaceful coexistence.
Some residents around the Ugbowo area said the attack has created fear among business owners and commuters who regularly operate near the university gate. According to them, the area is usually crowded with students, transport operators and traders, making the incident even more shocking.
As investigations continue, students and residents of the university community remain anxious, hoping that authorities will uncover those behind the attack and prevent similar incidents in the future.