A student of the University of Benin identified simply as Alexander was reportedly shot dead by suspected cultists on Sunday evening in Benin City, while three others, including a female passerby, were injured.
The attack happened around 6pm in front of the Ugbowo campus of the university along the Benin-Lagos Road.
Alexander was said to be driving out of the campus in his GLK Mercedes Benz with two other occupants after finishing his exams about an hour earlier. Witnesses said a white unregistered GLK Mercedes Benz suddenly blocked their vehicle and masked gunmen opened fire, mainly at the driver’s side, before speeding away.
The victims were left in a pool of blood as the attackers escaped. Alexander, said to be a part-time student in the Department of Political Science, died in the attack, while the three injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying one person died while three others were injured. She said investigations showed the victims were leaving the UNIBEN main gate when the gunmen intercepted and shot at them at close range.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had ordered an investigation to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
Meanwhile, the university management said the incident was linked to cult activities outside the campus and did not involve any staff or students of the institution.
Watch video here.
