Abia varsity student shot dead by suspected cultists

A final-year student of Abia State University (ABSU) identified as Emma has been killed by suspected cultists on campus. 

In a now-viral video, a man dripping with blood is being pursued by two other men, who were dressed in black, while one of them held a gun.

In the clip, one of the men later shot the victim in the head after he had fallen into a ditch.

In its reaction, the Abia state government said it has commenced an investigation into the death of the student.

Okey Kanu, the state commissioner for information and culture, spoke with journalists at the end of the state executive council meeting held at the capital city.

Kanu said the government is aware of the clash between the “school groups that claimed the life of a student”, adding that it will take action to restore peace and order on campus.

He said security personnel had been dispatched to the school to control the situation.

“It has come to the notice of the government that there have been skirmishes in Abia State University, Uturu, within some student groups,” he said.

“Some videos have been trending online to the effect that a student lost his life in these skirmishes.

“As a responsive and responsible government, some remedial actions have been taken to restore peace and order on campus. Investigation in that regard has been instituted.”

Kanu urged the students of all tertiary institutions in the state to avoid engaging in any form of violence and actions that could affect their lives and academics.

Also speaking, Maureen Chinaka, Abia police PRO, said the command responded to the situation but the culprits had fled the scene.

“Our officers, in collaboration with the military, swiftly responded and arrived at the crime scene, causing the culprits to flee upon sighting the police,” Chinaka said.

“The corpse was evacuated from the crime scene to the morgue and exhibits have been recovered.

“Investigations are ongoing and we will continue to update the public as we  progress.”