By Elizabeth Ikegima
A 400L student of the University of Benin, Edo State, name withheld), has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in the school’s students’ hostel.
The sad incident occurred at about 9 pm on Monday, 3 April 2023. Information gathered revealed that he was shot at close range, which caused his brain to spill out helplessly. And it was disclosed by some eyewitnesses that he was shot in his executive lodge at the Amino Kano Hall, popularly known as Hall 3.
It was discovered that there was a HOD’s Cup football match that took place before the incident, which according to many, made the hall of residence rowdy and busy as many students trooped in to observe the match.
Before his demise, the deceased was a student in the Department of Public Administration in the Faculty of Social Sciences, and he was identified as a Kegite Chief.
It was gathered that the deceased was taken to the mortuary at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.
The incident is said to be a very shocking one that has caused panic among students, especially those in the school’s Halls of Residence. This left many students lamenting over the occurrence and demanding feedback from the school’s management.
In an interview with the ACJ UNIBEN, a student who pleaded anonymity said, “This incident is really very pathetic and I am very scared of even going close to the school’s hall of residence. I think the killers took advantage of the HOD’s cup that happened yesterday (Monday). Since everyone was busy at the moment, I think they seized that opportunity to get him.”
As at the time of filing this report, concerned students of the University of Benin, had demanded a response from the school’s management, giving them an ultimatum of 12 pm today, 4 April 2023, or else the school would be at a standstill. This development led to the Students’ Union Government and concerned students moving about and preventing departments and faculties from holding classes after there was an unofficial declaration of a ‘lecture-free day.’
UNIBEN Management Condemns Killing of Student In School Hostel
The management of the University of Benin has strongly condemned the sad incident of murder that occured in the school’s hostel on Monday, 3 April, 2023.
This was made known by the Public Relations Officer of UNIBEN, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, in a statement on Tuesday. It was stated that the management was working closely with the police and security agencies to apprehend the culprit.
The statement read, “The Management of the University of Benin has condemned the brutal and sad killing of a final year male student, known mostly as ‘ mayor’ ( real name withheld) on the night of Monday 3rd April, 2023.
“The gruesome shooting occurred in one of the Halls of Residence and was carried out by yet to be identified gunman.
“While comisserating with the family and colleagues of the late student, Management enjoins other students to be calm as the Police as well as other Security Agencies are working hard to fish out and arrest the culprit.”
“Management is also working closely with the internal security units in ensuring that such dastardly incident does not occur again within the University’s premises,” the statement added in conclusion.