There was panic and confusion around the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Sunday evening after a student was shot dead inside his vehicle near the institution’s Ugbowo main gate in Benin City, Edo State.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim, identified as Alexander Omogiate, was driving out of the campus in a Mercedes-Benz GLK shortly after completing his semester examinations when unknown gunmen intercepted his vehicle and opened fire at close range.
The attack occurred around 5 p.m., sending students, residents, and passersby fleeing for safety as gunshots rang out near the busy campus entrance. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in another vehicle, blocked the victim’s car, and immediately began shooting before speeding off.
Three other occupants of the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries, while a female passerby was also hit by a stray bullet. All the injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment. Police later confirmed that Omogiate died from his injuries.
The Edo State Police Command said preliminary investigations suggest the attack may have been cult-related. Police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem disclosed that the gunmen fled immediately after the shooting and that a full-scale investigation had been launched to apprehend those responsible.
In a statement, the University of Benin distanced itself from the incident, noting that the attack occurred outside the campus and did not involve members of staff or any officially recognised student activities.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the killing and assured residents that the perpetrators would be arrested and prosecuted.
