Two students of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State,
were yesterday reportedly beheaded in a clash between ex-militants and
suspected cult members.
Several students werebeaten by the
gunmen who invaded their hostels.
Students’ vehicles parked in the
hostels were destroyed
A source said the incident caused panic
as many ran out of their hostels naked.
The gunmen were said to have invaded
the campus at about 4am and started searching the hostels, looking for their
victims.
They were said to have blocked the
entrance into the campus and macheted those who tried to escape.
Another source said it was a clash of
some ex-militants, who were recently admitted into the institution, and a cult
group.
Special Adviser to President Goodluck
Jonathan on Niger Delta Kingsley Kuku, at the Founder’s Day lecture, said 208
ex-militants were undergoing rehabilitation at the institution.
A parent said his son called him
yesterday morning informing him of the attack.
“My son called me in the morning to
tell me that there was a clash in the institution between ex-militants and cult
members at about 5am.
“He also said the two groups engaged in
sporadic shooting.”
A student, who gave his name as Sam,
said many vehicles were destroyed.
He said: “I had to run into the bush
with my friends. Two students were beheaded.”
Another student said many students were
attacked and some were likely kidnapped.
A message he sent reads: “They’ve also
blocked the main gate of the school so no one can come in or go out!
“It started around 2am with gun shots.
The attackers then marched from room to room, looking for 300 level Law
students before they destroyed cars parked in front of the hostels from Z block
to M block, old boys hostel.
“They entered and destroyed some rooms
and beat some of the occupants. My friends and I had to take the bush path out
of school since we were not sure what was going on, only to meet blocked roads
and gates.
“The destruction, killings and looting
continued as no school official intervened. They entered the female hostels.
Now we hope for the best as we expect the worst.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eghosa
Osaghae, could not be reached for comments.
Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun
said the situation is under control.
Balogun said one student was injured
and several vehicles damaged.
He said five persons had been arrested.