Panic broke out at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, after suspected rival cult groups engaged in a gun battle on Monday.
The clash reportedly involved members of two rival confraternities identified as the Vikings and the Clansmen, who were said to be involved in a struggle for supremacy.
The immediate cause of the confrontation remained unclear. However, the incident occurred during the ongoing Students’ Union Government Week at the university.
A video circulating on social media showed students running for safety as gunshots reportedly rang out across parts of the campus.
No death was recorded in the incident, but the violence caused panic among students, with many seeking refuge in classrooms and hostels to avoid being caught in the confrontation.
Academic activities were also temporarily disrupted as students reportedly left some areas of the campus following the outbreak of violence.
Rights activist Charles Jaja expressed concern over the incident, saying repeated cult-related violence was unacceptable in an institution meant for learning, research and character development.
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Jaja called on the university management to strengthen security and adopt intelligence-driven measures to tackle cultism on campus.
Similarly, Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, described the incident as embarrassing and urged the Rivers State Government and university authorities to improve security arrangements within and around the institution.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the incident involved rival gangs.
The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said police officers responded to a distress call and arrived at the university in time to restore calm.
Agabe clarified that the gunshots were not fired by police personnel, adding that the suspected cult members fled the scene after security operatives intervened.
She confirmed that no lives were lost and disclosed that an investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those involved in the clash.
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