RIVAL CULT GROUPS CLASH AT RIVERS UNIVERSITY, STUDENTS FLEE AS GUNSHOTS RING OUT

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

Rival cult groups reportedly clashed at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcing students to scamper for safety as gunshots rang out on Monday.

The clash, which reportedly involved members of the Vikings and Clansmen confraternities, occurred during the ongoing Students’ Union Government Week of the institution.

Although the immediate cause of the confrontation could not be established, sources said the incident was linked to a battle for supremacy between the rival groups.

A video circulating on social media showed students running for cover as gunshots were heard on the campus.

No casualty was reported, but academic activities were temporarily disrupted as several students reportedly fled the campus, while others sought refuge in classrooms and hostels to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, described it as a clash between rival cult groups.

Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said operatives responded promptly to a distress call and succeeded in restoring calm on the campus.

“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,” she said.

She dismissed reports suggesting that the gunshots were fired by police officers, explaining that the operatives only took proactive measures to contain the situation.

“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,” Agabe added.

Reacting to the development, a Port Harcourt-based rights activist, Charles Jaja, expressed concern that the incident suggested that the university management was struggling to effectively control security on the campus.

Jaja urged the institution to adopt stronger measures against cultism, including intelligence-driven security, strict enforcement of regulations and swift disciplinary action against offenders.

He cited the security approach previously adopted at Rivers State University under former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barineme Fakae, as a model that could help reduce cult-related violence.

Jaja described it as unacceptable for an institution meant for learning, research and character development to become a scene of cult-related violence.

Also expressing concern, the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, said the latest incident was embarrassing to both the institution and the Rivers State Government.

Wiro noted that the university had reportedly witnessed other cult-related clashes in and around the institution within the past year.

He warned that repeated incidents could undermine parents’ confidence in the university’s security arrangements and discourage prospective students from seeking admission into the institution.

The rights activist called on the Rivers State Governor, who is the visitor to the university, to meet with the institution’s management and explore measures to strengthen security within and around the campus.

The police command said investigation into the incident was ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the clash.