Gunfire Erupts as Cultists Clash at Rivers University

On Monday, suspected rival cultists engaged in gunfire at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education located in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The clash involved two cult groups, the Vikings and Clansmen, during the university's Students’ Union Government Week.

Although the immediate cause of the violence remains unclear, a viral video showed students fleeing as gunshots rang out, with no casualties reported. Following the incident, academic activities were temporarily suspended as students sought safety.

Rights activist Charles Jaja criticized the university management for losing control over campus security, calling for a reevaluation of their strategies, referencing successful measures previously implemented at Rivers State University under Prof. Barineme Fakae. Another activist, Prince Wiro, expressed concern over the repeated cult clashes, stating that such incidents could undermine parental confidence in the university's security and deter future enrollments.