Pandemonium erupted on Sunday afternoon outside the Ugbowo campus main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) after a man was shot dead inside his car in what witnesses described as a shocking and chaotic attack.
Videos circulating online showed the vehicle, which appeared to have collided with another car during the incident, riddled with multiple bullet holes on the front windscreen. The victim was seen slumped motionless behind the steering wheel, while bystanders gathered around the scene in confusion and fear.
Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere quickly turned tense as sporadic gunshots were heard again moments later, forcing students, traders, motorists, and passersby to flee in different directions for safety. The incident reportedly caused heavy traffic and panic around the busy university gate area.
Some residents claimed the attackers arrived suddenly and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene, although details surrounding the attack remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Unconfirmed reports identified the deceased as a part-time Political Science student of the institution who had just completed his semester examinations. Two other occupants of the vehicle were also said to have sustained injuries during the attack and were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Security operatives were later seen at the scene attempting to restore calm and commence preliminary investigations. The victim’s body was subsequently evacuated while onlookers continued to express shock over the brazen nature of the killing.
However, the management of UNIBEN reportedly distanced its students and staff from the incident, maintaining that the attack was linked to suspected cult-related activities that occurred outside the campus premises. Authorities are yet to release an official statement confirming the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.