A part-time political science student at the University of Benin was shot dead at the Ugbowo main gate after finishing his semester exams, in what authorities suspect was linked to cult-related violence and possibly financial disputes. The incident has reignited concerns about recurring attacks around Nigerian campuses and the broader risks students face.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victim was driving a Mercedes-Benz GLK when masked gunmen intercepted his vehicle and opened fire at close range, killing him instantly and injuring others inside the car. A female passerby was also struck by a stray bullet but survived after urgent medical treatment. Police later confirmed that one of the occupants, Alexander Omogiate, died, while others are recovering in hospital. Some reports suggest the attack may have been connected to disputes over alleged scam proceeds worth N90 million, though investigators have not ruled out cult related motives. The Edo State Police Command has launched a full scale investigation, promising to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The University of Benin management expressed regret over the tragedy but distanced the institution from the violence, stressing that it was fallout from external criminal activity rather than internal student disputes. Officials urged calm and vigilance, while assuring the community of their commitment to maintaining safety on campus. Students, however, voiced frustration over recurring insecurity, pointing to previous cases of cult clashes, machete attacks, and shootings near lecture halls and gates. These incidents have created a climate of fear, with many calling for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the university to safeguard lives.
For international readers, the killing highlights the persistent challenge of cultism and organized violence in Nigerian universities, where young people often become targets of criminal networks operating around campuses. The responses from the UNIBEN community reflect both grief and anger, as many believe that without decisive reforms and improved security, such tragedies will continue to undermine education and threaten student safety.
