Panic as university student is shot on campus

Thursday, August 13, 2026 - A 100-level student of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, has reportedly sustained gunshot injuries after suspected cultists opened fire on the university campus on Wednesday.

The incident occurred barely two days after suspected rival cult groups engaged in a shooting confrontation on the campus, heightening concerns over security among students and staff.

The earlier clash, which occurred on Monday, was reportedly linked to a supremacy dispute between suspected members of the Vikings and Ku Klux Klan cult groups.

Details surrounding Wednesday’s shooting remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

However, a source familiar with the incident said the injured student had been taken to a hospital, where medical personnel were making arrangements for surgery to remove bullet pellets reportedly lodged in his body.

The source, who declined to disclose the identities of the student and the victim because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the victim’s friends were raising money to cover the cost of the procedure.

The source said, “His close friends were contributing money to raise funds for the surgery to happen.”

It could not, however, be independently established whether the student was affiliated with any cult group.

A video circulating on social media showed the injured student lying on a hospital bed before being carried into the university premises by some of his coursemates.

The Rivers State Police Command had earlier confirmed the Monday incident involving suspected rival cult groups.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the police were investigating the earlier confrontation.

When contacted about Wednesday’s shooting, Agabe confirmed that she had seen the circulating video, adding that she would obtain further information from the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the area.

She had yet to provide further details as of Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, amid the security concerns, the management of the university announced the immediate suspension of all remaining activities scheduled for the Students’ Union Government Week.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the institution’s Registrar, Dr Chinonye Ajie, directed students to resume normal academic activities on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The management warned students against actions capable of disrupting their studies or threatening peace and security within the university.

The statement said, “This is to inform the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Community that all remaining activities for the Students’ Union Government Week have been suspended by the University Management with immediate effect.”

It added, “Students are therefore advised to return to classes on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, for normal academic activities.”

The university further warned that students who failed to attend their lectures would be held responsible for their actions.

It also urged students to avoid conduct that could jeopardise their academic progress or undermine the peace and security of the institution.