UNIBEN Shooting: When Cultism, Fraud, and Campus Security Collide

 

The University of Benin community is in mourning after a deadly shooting on Sunday evening at the main gate. A 200-level Political Science student, Alexander Omogiate, was killed in his vehicle shortly after his semester examinations. Three other occupants were injured. One of them, Dorothy Ubah, later died in hospital. Hours later, reports say Omogiate’s girlfriend was also killed in a separate attack along Airport Road. Another person was reportedly killed at Uselu.

What’s being alleged

Eyewitness and anonymous accounts shared with local media claim the attack stemmed from a dispute over an alleged internet fraud deal. The story circulating says tensions had been building for two weeks, with threats and earlier clashes on campus. On the day of the shooting, masked men reportedly trailed the vehicle from class to the gate and opened fire before fleeing.

These claims are still unverified. The Edo State Police Command and UNIBEN management have not released an official statement at the time of writing. CampusDialog will update this story once official confirmation comes in.

Another angle raising concern

In a separate development, the Chairman of UNIBEN’s Anti-Cult Committee, Venerable Egbenusi Osaze David, announced his resignation. He alleged he was pressured to delete video evidence of cult-related incidents on campus. UNIBEN has not publicly responded to this claim.

Why this matters for every campus

Whether or not the fraud angle holds, the incident highlights three issues students and parents worry about:

1. Campus security: An attack at the main gate, right after examinations, raises questions about how safe campuses are and how quickly security can respond.
2. Cultism and violence: UNIBEN has battled cult-related violence for years. When allegations of cover-ups surface, it erodes trust between students and the system meant to protect them.
3. The glorification of fraud: The idea that students are involved in high-value internet fraud and settling disputes with guns points to a deeper problem of values and peer influence.

What needs to happen now

1. Independent investigation: The Edo State Police Command should treat this as a priority case. Victims and their families deserve answers, not silence.
2. Transparency from the university: UNIBEN should address the allegations about evidence deletion and outline steps being taken to improve security.
3. Student engagement: Students unions and departments need to create safer channels for reporting threats and cult activity without fear of reprisal.

CampusDialog View Point

Campus should be a place for learning, not a war zone. Three lives are reportedly lost, and many more students are shaken. Rumors spread fast, but justice moves only when facts are established and institutions are held accountable.

Note: This report is based on eyewitness accounts and media sources as of Sept 5, 2025. Details may change as the police investigation progresses.

For CampusDialog readers:
Do you feel safe on your campus? What one change would make the biggest difference to security? Drop your thoughts on:
CampusDialog.blogspot.com

Ambrose Odiase, FIPMA, MANUPA, MAUA (UK),

Founding Editor/Publisher CampusDialog.