The University of Benin (UNIBEN) community has been thrown into a state of panic following an attack on a final-year student of the institution, Desmond Rukevwe Emuobonuvie a.k.a Mayor, by unknown gunmen suspected to be cultists.
The 400-level Public Administration student was shot dead inside the school’s hostel on Monday night, April 3, 2023.
The incident occurred in Hall 3, where Mayor, a Kegite Chief, was attacked and shot three times in the face.
The tragic occurrence has triggered widespread anxiety and fear among the students who are now apprehensive for their safety.
According to reports, the attack has created tension and uncertainty within the academic community, as many are wondering how such a tragic incident could have taken place inside the school’s hostel.
The UNIBEN authorities have yet to release any official statement regarding the incident or what measures will be taken to prevent a reoccurrence.
As they mourn the unfortunate loss of one of their students, members of the academic community are calling for an improved security presence within the university campus to forestall such violent incidents.
The late Mayor, who was known popularly as Diamond, was well-regarded in the university community, and his death has left many heartbroken.
He was an active member of the Kegite club, a social club known for its entertaining and theatrical dance style.
The club’s members are known for promoting unity, love, and harmony within the academic community.
The killing of the UNIBEN final-year student by unknown gunmen is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have occurred within campuses across the country in recent times.
These occurrences have caused deep concern amongst stakeholders in the education sector and have led to calls for the government to take concrete steps to safeguard the lives of students and academic staff across Nigerian educational institutions.
Taking everything into account, the brutal killing of Desmond Rukevwe Emuobonuvie, a UNIBEN final-year student, has left the university community in shock and mourning.
The authorities must take swift action to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The incident is a reminder that there is an urgent need to address the security challenges within educational institutions across Nigeria.
The government, academic authorities, and other stakeholders must collaborate to create an environment that is safe and conducive to learning for all.
