Panic and confusion gripped the University of Benin community on Sunday night after unidentified gunmen shot dead a student of the institution while he was reportedly driving out of the university’s main gate at Ugbowo, Benin City.
The victim, whose identity had yet to be officially confirmed as of press time, was said to be inside a black Mercedes-Benz JLK SUV when the attackers struck at close range, killing him on the spot.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the incident occurred shortly after the student concluded his examination in the Department of Political Science. According to accounts from students and residents around the campus, the deceased had reportedly left the examination hall about an hour before the attack occurred near the university gate.
Sources said the gunmen, described as masked men, intercepted the vehicle and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene immediately after the operation.
The brutal killing threw the area into panic as students, motorists, and passersby scampered for safety amid the sound of gunshots.
Two other occupants of the vehicle reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. They were said to have been rushed to the University of Benin Health Centre for urgent medical attention.
A student who witnessed the aftermath of the incident said the attack appeared to have been carefully executed.
“They shot him at close range, and there was no way he could have survived the attack. Two others who were in the vehicle were also injured and rushed to the school’s health care centre,” the student stated.
Security operatives attached to the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters later arrived at the scene and evacuated the corpse of the deceased student.
The incident has sparked fear and concern among students and residents of the university community, with many calling for increased security surveillance around the campus environment.
When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer of the Ugbowo Division, SP Emmanuel, confirmed the incident but noted that details surrounding the attack were still sketchy.
According to him, investigations had commenced to ascertain the circumstances behind the killing and to identify those responsible for the attack.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities of the university had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
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