Ignatius Ajuru University Shooting Sparks Panic as Police Disperse Unknown Persons

Ignatius Ajuru University shooting triggered panic at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State on Monday after gunshots rang out during the institution’s SUG Week celebration.

The incident caused fear among students and staff, with reports of sporadic gunfire lasting for more than 20 minutes.

Videos circulating online appeared to show groups of people fleeing the university premises as the situation unfolded.

However, accounts of what caused the incident remain disputed.

Some reports alleged that rival cult groups, identified as Vikings and Black Axe, clashed on campus. The reports claimed that the groups exchanged gunfire, sending students and other members of the university community running for safety.

However, the Students’ Union Government president, Comrade Alex Onu, rejected the claim of a cult gun battle inside the institution.

Instead, Onu said police officers from the Rivers State Police Command fired shots into the air to disperse unknown persons who had entered the university during the SUG Week activities.

According to the SUG president, the individuals were believed to have been attracted to the institution by the ongoing celebrations.

He said the group did not confront the police. Rather, they reportedly left the university premises after officers fired warning shots.

The conflicting accounts have left questions about what happened before the shooting and why police intervention became necessary.

Meanwhile, the incident has renewed concerns about security during large student gatherings. Universities often attract large crowds during social and cultural programmes, making effective security arrangements important.

For now, the SUG leadership’s account differs sharply from reports alleging a clash between rival cult groups.

The Ignatius Ajuru University shooting therefore remains a developing story, with further clarification expected from the relevant authorities.