Gunshots as rival cultists clash at Rivers varsity

Suspected rival cultists engaged in a violent clash at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday. The combatants were identified as two groups called the Vikings and Clansmen. The immediate cause of the brawl is still unclear, but it is believed to have occurred during the university's Students’ Union Government Week.

A viral video showed students fleeing in terror as gunshots rang out, but no casualties were reported. Academic activities were briefly suspended as many students left the campus or took refuge in buildings to dodge stray bullets.

A Port Harcourt-based rights activist, Charles Jaja, criticized the incident, stating that it signified the university's management had lost control over the campus. He urged the university authorities to take action against the rampaging cultists, drawing a comparison to the successful security measures implemented at Rivers State University under former Vice Chancellor Prof. Barineme Fakae.

These included strict rule enforcement, intelligence-driven security, and swift sanctions to curb cultism and maintain a peaceful campus environment.

Another rights activist, Prince Wiro, expressed concern over the repeated cult clashes in the university over the past year, describing the latest incident as embarrassing for the institution and the state government. He called on the Rivers State Governor to address the security situation by inviting the university leadership for discussions on enhancing safety measures on and off campus.

The police confirmed that the clash was between rival cult groups, stating that officers swiftly responded to a distress call and restored calm. No shots were fired by the police, and no casualties were reported as the groups fled the scene.