The management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, has suspended all remaining activities of the Students’ Union Government Week following the shooting of a first-year student on the university campus.
The student was reportedly shot on Wednesday by suspected gang members, barely 48 hours after a clash between two rival gang groups was said to have occurred at the institution on Monday.
The circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s shooting were still unclear as of press time, while the identity and motive of the alleged assailants remained unknown.
A viral video circulating online showed the injured student lying on a hospital bed, while another scene showed his coursemates carrying him on the university campus.
A source close to the victim told our correspondent that the student was rushed to a hospital after the incident, where medical personnel were reportedly making efforts to remove bullet pellets lodged in his body.
The source further claimed that the victim’s friends had contributed money towards his surgery.
However, it could not be independently established whether the injured student was a member of any cult or gang group.
The Rivers State Police Command was contacted for its reaction to the incident but had yet to provide an official response as of press time.
Meanwhile, the university management has suspended all remaining activities lined up for the Students’ Union Government Week with immediate effect.
The decision followed the circulation of a video purportedly showing students running in different directions on the campus amid sounds resembling gunshots.
In a statement signed by the University Registrar, Dr Chinonye Abraham Ajie, management directed students to return to their classrooms on Thursday, August 13, for normal academic activities.
The university warned students who fail to attend lectures that they would be held responsible for their actions.
Management also urged students to avoid activities capable of disrupting their studies or threatening peace and order on the campus.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over security at the institution, coming only two days after the reported clash between rival groups on the campus.
The university management has not disclosed further details about the shooting or announced any additional security measures beyond the suspension of the Students’ Union Week activities.
