DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

Suspected cultists kill student at Rivers university

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A 100-level student at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State was shot and killed by suspected cultists.
  • The incident occurred two days after a violent clash between rival cult groups on campus, causing significant tension.
  • University management has suspended student union activities and ordered students back to classes, while police are investigating.

Tragedy has struck Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State, Nigeria, where a 100-level student was fatally shot on campus by suspected cultists. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the university community and heightened existing tensions.

This latest act of violence follows closely on the heels of a violent clash between rival cult groups just two days prior. That earlier incident, reportedly involving members of the Vikings and Ku Klux Klan cults engaged in a supremacy battle, resulted in a shooting spree that created a palpable sense of fear and unease within the campus.

Details surrounding the most recent shooting remain somewhat scarce. However, a source close to the victim indicated that the student was rushed to a hospital where efforts were underway to surgically remove bullet fragments. Friends were reportedly scrambling to raise funds for the necessary surgery. It remains unconfirmed whether the victim was affiliated with any cult group.

In response to the escalating violence, the university management has taken decisive action. All remaining activities for the Students' Union Government Week have been suspended with immediate effect. Students have been instructed to return to their classrooms for normal academic activities on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The university administration warned that any student failing to attend lectures would be held accountable and urged all students to avoid actions that could jeopardize their academic pursuits or compromise the university's peace and security.

The Rivers State Police Command, through its spokesperson Blessing Agabe, had confirmed the earlier cult clash. While Agabe acknowledged seeing a viral video of the latest incident, she stated she needed to gather further details from the local Divisional Police Officer before providing an official update. As of Wednesday evening, the police had yet to release further information.

His close friends were contributing money to raise funds for the surgery to happen.

โ€” Source close to the victimDescribing the immediate aftermath of the shooting and the efforts to save the student's life.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.