Tension as Gunshots Rock Nigerian University

Tension gripped the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday after suspected rival cult groups engaged in a gun battle on the campus.

The confrontation reportedly involved members of two rival confraternities, identified as the Vikings and Clansmen, who were said to be fighting for supremacy. The immediate cause of the clash was not known.

The incident occurred during the university’s ongoing Students’ Union Government week activities, forcing students to run for safety as gunshots were heard across parts of the campus.

A video shared on social media showed students fleeing the area during the incident. Although there were no reports of casualties, academic activities were temporarily disrupted as students sought shelter inside classrooms and hostels to avoid being caught in the violence.

A Port Harcourt-based rights activist, Charles Jaja, described the incident as a serious concern and questioned the university management’s ability to maintain security on campus.

Jaja urged the institution to adopt stronger measures against cult activities, citing the need for strict enforcement of school regulations, intelligence gathering and prompt action against offenders.

He said the university should study security measures previously adopted at Rivers State University, which he credited with helping to reduce cult-related activities on that campus.

According to him, a university should provide an environment for learning, research and character development rather than becoming a place where students are exposed to cult violence.

Another rights activist, Prince Wiro, who is the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, also expressed concern over the incident.

Wiro said reports of cult-related clashes had occurred around the institution within the past year, raising questions about the effectiveness of its security arrangements.

He warned that repeated incidents could damage the reputation of the university and reduce parents’ confidence in the institution’s ability to protect students.

Wiro called on the Rivers State Governor, as a visitor to the university, to engage the institution’s management and consider stronger measures to improve security both within and around the campus.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the incident involved two rival cult groups.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said police officers responded quickly after receiving a distress call and succeeded in restoring calm.

Agabe clarified that the gunshots were not fired by police officers, saying the personnel only took measures considered necessary to contain the situation.

She confirmed that no death was recorded during the clash, while the suspected cult members fled the area before police could apprehend them.

The police have commenced an investigation aimed at identifying and arresting those involved in the confrontation.