Okpebholo Condemns Killing Of UNIBEN Student, Orders Manhunt

Okpebholo Condemns Killing Of UNIBEN Student, Orders Manhunt

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the killing of a student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) who was shot dead by suspected gunmen at the school’s main gate in Ugbowo on Sunday evening.

The governor described the incident as a “brazen and cold-blooded attack” that is unacceptable and an assault on human dignity, public safety, and the values of the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere, Okpebholo extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased student, whose life was cut short in what he described as a senseless act of violence.

According to the statement, security agencies, including the Edo State Police Command, have already commenced investigations into the incident, with a manhunt launched to track down the assailants.

“The perpetrators may run, but they cannot hide forever. This administration will ensure that they are arrested and brought to justice,” the governor said.

The victim, a 400-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), was reportedly shot dead by masked gunmen while driving out of the university main gate in a JLK Mercedes-Benz vehicle after completing his examinations.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who were armed and masked, approached the vehicle and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene. Two other occupants of the vehicle were also injured and rushed to the UNIBEN Health Centre for emergency treatment.

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Security operatives from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters later arrived at the scene and evacuated the remains of the deceased student.

While police authorities are yet to release full details, preliminary findings suggest the attack may be linked to suspected cult-related violence, a recurring security concern in parts of Edo State and university environments.

The governor, however, vowed that his administration would not allow criminal elements or cult groups to operate freely in the state.

Okpebholo reiterated his government’s ongoing crackdown on cultism in Edo State, noting that sustained security operations have led to arrests and prosecutions of suspected cultists across various communities.

He highlighted ongoing collaboration between the state government and security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army to dismantle criminal networks and reduce violent crime.

The governor also pointed to community-based interventions involving traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious leaders aimed at preventing youth involvement in cultism and violent crime.

“These efforts are already yielding results, but the killing of a young student in broad daylight shows that we must intensify the fight against cult violence and criminality,” he said.

Okpebholo urged residents with useful information about the attack to assist security agencies, assuring that all information will be treated confidentially.

Meanwhile, students and residents around the UNIBEN Ugbowo campus have expressed fear and concern over rising insecurity, calling for increased police presence and improved surveillance around the institution.

Police sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and tactical units have been deployed to track down the suspects responsible for the attack.

The university community has also been thrown into mourning, with calls for justice and improved campus security to prevent future attacks.

Okpebholo Condemns Killing Of UNIBEN Student, Orders Manhunt