UNIBEN attack — A violent attack near the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has sparked fear and renewed concerns over insecurity and cult-related violence in Benin City, Edo State.
Eyewitnesses described the incident, which reportedly happened on Tuesday, as “something out of an action movie” after heavily armed men stormed the area and opened fire on a vehicle carrying three occupants.
According to several accounts from people present at the scene, the attackers arrived in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle without a plate number. Witnesses said the gunmen wore masks and carried AK-47 rifles.
Their alleged target was identified simply as Junior, a young man who was reportedly inside a vehicle with a female passenger seated in the front and another male occupant at the back seat.
Eyewitnesses said the attack unfolded within seconds, forcing students, traders, and passersby to run for safety as gunshots echoed across the area.
According to reports, Junior attempted to escape immediately after spotting the armed men. However, while trying to reverse his vehicle, he reportedly crashed into another car behind him, leaving his vehicle trapped.
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“As soon as the car got stuck, the gunmen opened fire directly at the driver’s side,” one eyewitness reportedly said.
Another witness claimed the attackers fired repeatedly and later reloaded their weapons before continuing the shooting.
The female passenger was reportedly hit in the stomach, while the young man seated at the back also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
Junior reportedly died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Witnesses further alleged that some residents and passersby used pieces of cloth in an attempt to stop the bleeding from the injured female victim before emergency help arrived.
The two injured occupants were later rushed to a hospital for treatment, although their current condition remains unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Residents familiar with the deceased described him as humble and respectful, insisting that he was not publicly associated with cult-related activities.
Some reports also claimed documents recovered from the vehicle allegedly identified him as a part-time final-year student of the University of Benin who had recently completed his examinations.
While many residents suspect the attack may be linked to cult violence, others argued it could be connected to business-related disputes popularly referred to as “Aza matter.”
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident as investigations continue.
The tragic attack has also triggered emotional reactions from individuals who have lived in Benin City and experienced similar security concerns over the years.
A social media user identified as Fidelis described the city as increasingly dangerous, alleging that cult clashes and violent crimes have become recurring events in several parts of Benin.
“There were times we would wake up and see a dead body on the next street after rival groups attacked each other,” he alleged.
He further claimed that fear often forced shop owners to close businesses early due to frequent robberies and violent attacks.
Fidelis also narrated a personal experience where suspected armed robbers allegedly attacked and dispossessed him of his belongings in broad daylight near a school environment.
“After they pushed me into the gutter and took everything, passersby only told me to thank God they didn’t take my car,” he recalled.
The incident has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for stronger security measures around tertiary institutions and across Benin City.
Keyphrase: UNIBEN attack
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