Gunshots disrupt activities at Rivers varsity

Etim Ekpimah

Tension gripped the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, on Monday after suspected rival cult groups exchanged gunfire on the campus.

The clash, reportedly involving members of the Vikings and Clansmen confraternities, occurred during the university’s ongoing Students’ Union Government week.

Students reportedly scampered for safety as gunshots rang out, while academic activities were temporarily disrupted. No deaths were recorded in the incident.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the clash, saying its operatives responded to a distress call and restored calm.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said the gunfire was not from the police, adding that the officers took measures to contain the situation.

“It was a clash between two cult groups. The police responded promptly and arrived at the scene in good time, successfully bringing the situation under control,” she said.

Agabe added that members of the groups fled the scene and that an investigation was underway to identify and apprehend those involved.

The incident has renewed concerns over cult-related violence at the institution, with rights activists calling for stronger security measures to prevent further clashes.

Charles Jaja, a Port Harcourt-based rights activist, urged the university management to adopt stricter enforcement of rules and intelligence-led security measures.

Another rights activist, Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, said repeated cult clashes could undermine parents’ confidence in the institution.

He called on the Rivers State Government and university authorities to strengthen security within and around the campus.