The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has distanced itself from a fatal shooting incident that claimed the life of a young man near its Ugbowo campus, as the Edo State Police Command intensifies investigations into the attack.
The victim, identified as Alexander Omogiate, was reportedly shot on Sunday evening by masked gunmen while driving out of the university’s main gate in a Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers intercepted the vehicle, opened fire at close range, and fled immediately after the assault.
Sources indicated that Omogiate had just completed his examination in the Department of Political Science about an hour before the incident.
Three other occupants in the vehicle sustained gunshot injuries, while a female passerby was also hit by a stray bullet during the attack.
All injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where Omogiate was later confirmed dead.
Confirming the development, the Edo State Police Command stated that the incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on May 10, 2026.
According to the police, the victims were intercepted by occupants of another vehicle who opened fire before escaping to an unknown location.
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Authorities have since launched a full-scale investigation, with efforts underway to apprehend those responsible.
The police also appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could aid the investigation.
In response to the incident, the University of Benin clarified that the attack took place outside its campus and did not involve any of its students or staff.
The institution described the violence as a suspected cult-related clash and urged members of the university community to remain calm and continue their academic activities peacefully.
Meanwhile, tension had reportedly been building in the area a day before the incident, following a separate altercation involving suspected hoodlums near the Social Science Lecture Theatre.
In a related development, the Chairman of the university’s anti-cultism committee, Venerable Egbenusi Osazee David, has resigned from his position.
He alleged that he faced pressure after sharing video evidence of the incident with the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
However, the university management dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded and reaffirming its commitment to campus safety.
Authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing.
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