A signing-out celebration at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, descended into violence on Tuesday after rival cult groups clashed, leaving at least two people dead.
The event, which was meant to mark the successful completion of final examinations, quickly spiralled into chaos when members of the Black Axe Movement (Aye) and the Eiye confraternity confronted each other at a popular hotel in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Shots fired, car damaged
Witnesses said the confrontation began after celebrants fired shots into the air, one of which reportedly struck and damaged a Mercedes Benz belonging to a rival cult member. Tensions escalated when the car owner’s colleagues accused their rivals of deliberately targeting them.
According to a student witness, Omoruwa, “Although the other group insisted nobody was in the car, the matter got out of hand and it turned into a full-blown fight.”
Fatal retaliation
As the clash intensified, one of the cult members allegedly ran over a rival with a vehicle, killing him instantly. Another person was reportedly shot dead in the melee, bringing the death toll to two.
Police confirmed the violence but disputed the casualty figures. Edo State Police Command spokesperson Moses Yamu told reporters that one person had been killed, though investigations were ongoing.
Rising cult violence on campuses
The bloody confrontation has once again spotlighted the recurring menace of cultism and gang violence in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Students and residents in Auchi have called for stronger security measures to prevent further loss of lives.
The Edo State police say calm has since returned to the campus town, but tension remains high among students and staff as investigations continue.
