Fighting Breaks Out at Rivers University

Suspected cult members clashed at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, on Monday. They exchanged gunfire, causing panic among students.

Reports say the fight was between two rival groups known as ‘Vikings’ and ‘Clansmen’. They were struggling for control over the area.

The exact reason for the clash is not clear. However, it is said that the violence started during the university’s ongoing Students’ Union Government week.

A viral video showed students running for safety as gunshots rang out. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries or deaths.

Following the incident, classes were temporarily stopped. Many students hid in classrooms and hostels to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

Charles Jaja, a human rights activist from Port Harcourt, commented on the situation. He said it shows that the university management has lost control of the campus.

Jaja urged the university leaders to take action against the cult groups. He said this violence is unacceptable in a place of learning.

He noted, “Yesterday’s gunshot at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is a sad reminder of what a university ought not to be, and I think that the school management has lost control of its campus.”

He also suggested that the university should learn from the Rivers State University. He mentioned how rules and better security helped reduce cult activities there.

“This is what I advocate because at a time, a university which is supposed to be a place for character building, research and learning has now become a theatre for cultism and violence. This is unacceptable,” he added.

Another activist, Prince Wiro, who is the National Coordinator for the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, also expressed concern. He said repeated cult clashes are embarrassing for the school and the state government.

Wiro pointed out that there have been several cult clashes around the university over the past year. He believes these incidents show the security measures at the school may not be enough.

“This will also erode the confidence of parents in the security architecture of the university, and many parents may not want their children to be enrolled in the university,” he said.

Wiro called on the Rivers State Governor, who oversees the university, to meet with school leaders. He believes they should discuss improving security on and off campus.

On Tuesday morning, Blessing Agabe, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the clash involved rival gangs.

Agabe denied that police officers fired shots during the clash. She said police arrived quickly after receiving a distress call and helped restore calm.

She stated, “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. Investigation is ongoing.”

“No shots were fired by the Police, as the officers only took proactive measures necessary to contain and arrest the situation. No lives were lost. However, members of the groups fled the scene, while investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved.