Nigeria: Arrests Made in Connection with Killing of Edo Varsity Students
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
On May 1, 2024, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of several individuals suspected to be involved in the alleged killing of two students from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma. The victims were reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen believed to be cult members outside the school premises.
The tragic incident occurred less than 48 hours after the death of another student, referred to as Eddy, who was allegedly beaten to death by a group of individuals for allegedly using a ‘fake bank alert’ during a purchase, as reported by locals. However, the news of Eddy’s murder was misinterpreted as an attack by rival cult groups, leading to a reprisal that resulted in the deaths of the two students.
One of the victims was identified as a 400-level student in the Faculty of Agriculture and also served as a student union official. The incident took place at Poultry Road Extension in Ekpoma. The Head of Corporate Communications and Protocol at the university, Mike Aladenika, clarified that the incident occurred outside the school premises and that the police were investigating the matter.
Regarding the identities of the victims, Aladenika stated that the university could only confirm the previous incident involving Eddy as a student of the institution. The confirmation of whether the two individuals killed in the recent incident were students of the university was still unknown.
It is disheartening to learn that some students at the university are allegedly involved in cult activities despite the institution’s zero tolerance for such behavior. The authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe and cult-free environment on campus. They expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation and hoped that the culprits would be brought to justice.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident and the arrest of suspects. He assured the public that the investigation was underway and that progress was being made.
This unfortunate incident is not the first of its kind at Ambrose Alli University. In 2018, members of a suspected cult group allegedly killed five students during a graduation party in Ekpoma.
Efforts must be intensified to address the issue of cultism and ensure the safety of students on and off campus. Educational institutions, along with law enforcement agencies, should collaborate to implement preventive measures, conduct awareness campaigns, and promote a culture of peace and tolerance among students.
The Edo State government should also prioritize the provision of adequate security measures and support the police in their efforts to maintain law and order. It is essential to create an environment where students can focus on their studies without the fear of violence or intimidation.
As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the authorities to identify the root causes of these incidents and implement effective strategies to prevent future occurrences. The safety and well-being of students should be of utmost importance, and all necessary measures should be taken to protect them from harm.
Cultism is a societal issue that requires collective action and the involvement of parents, educational institutions, communities, and law enforcement to eradicate its influence. By working together, we can create an environment that encourages learning, personal growth, and the development of responsible citizens.
