Students at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, were forced to seek safety on Monday after suspected members of two rival cult groups clashed on campus.
The confrontation reportedly involved the Vikings and Clansmen confraternities, who allegedly exchanged gunfire during the university’s ongoing Students’ Union Government week. The immediate trigger for the clash remains unclear.
A video circulating on social media showed students running for safety as gunshots were heard across the campus. Although no deaths or injuries were reported, academic activities were temporarily disrupted as students moved into classrooms and hostels to avoid the violence.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the incident was a clash between rival cult groups. Police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said officers responded to a distress call and arrived at the university promptly to restore calm.
Agabe also dismissed reports suggesting that the gunshots were fired by police officers. She said the officers did not fire their weapons but took measures to contain the situation. According to her, members of the rival groups fled before they could be arrested, while an investigation is underway to identify those involved.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at the state-owned institution. Port Harcourt-based rights activist Charles Jaja described the clash as evidence of a serious security challenge, urging the university management to adopt stronger enforcement and intelligence-led measures.
Another rights activist, Prince Wiro, said repeated reports of cult clashes in and around the university over the past year should concern the institution and the Rivers State Government. He warned that continued violence could undermine parents’ confidence in the university’s security arrangements.
Wiro called on Rivers State Governor, who serves as the visitor to the institution, to engage the university management and explore measures to strengthen security both within and around the campus.
Police authorities said no life was lost in Monday’s confrontation and assured that investigations would continue. The command said it would work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the clash.
