Gunfire Sparks Panic as Rival Cult Groups Clash at Rivers University
Students flee classrooms and hostels as Vikings and Clansmen reportedly battle for supremacy on campus
Suspected rival cult groups exchanged gunfire at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday, triggering panic among students. The clash was reportedly between the Vikings and Clansmen confraternities and occurred during the university’s ongoing Students’ Union Government week. No casualty was recorded.
A video circulating on social media showed students running for safety as gunshots rang out. Academic activities were temporarily disrupted, while several students sought shelter in classrooms and hostels to avoid possible stray bullets. The immediate cause of the confrontation was not established.
Rights activists Charles Jaja and Prince Wiro expressed concern over repeated cult-related violence at the institution. Jaja said the incident suggested the university management had lost control of the campus, while Wiro urged the Rivers State government and university authorities to strengthen security arrangements.
Rivers police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the incident involved two rival cult groups and said officers responded promptly to a distress call. She clarified that police did not fire any shots, adding that the officers took measures to contain the situation. The groups reportedly fled, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend those involved.
