Tragedy struck the University of Benin community on a Monday evening, as a final-year student of the institution, Desmond, was brutally shot dead in his room at Hall 3 Hostel by unknown gunmen.
The incident, which appeared to be a cult-related attack, sent shock waves throughout the campus, leaving many students filled with fear and uncertainty.
Desmond, who was fondly called ‘Mayor’ by his colleagues, was a well-known figure in the Department of Public Administration, where he had spent the last few years studying.
He was also a respected Kegite chief, who was highly regarded by his peers for his charismatic personality and his ability to bring people together.
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According to eyewitness reports, Desmond was attacked at around 9pm on that fateful day.
The assailants, who were still at large, had stormed his room and shot him at point-blank range, leaving him with no chance of survival.
The news of Desmond’s death spread quickly throughout the university, causing a great deal of panic and distress among the students.
Many were left wondering how such a senseless act of violence could occur in their community, and what they could do to protect themselves from a similar fate.
In the aftermath of the incident, the university authorities were inundated with calls from concerned students, parents, and members of the public, all demanding answers and assurances of their safety.
However, attempts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the University, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, for comment, proved abortive as she failed to respond to messages sent to her.
Meanwhile, Desmond’s body had been taken to the mortuary at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
His family, friends, and colleagues were left to mourn his untimely passing, wondering what kind of world they lived in, where young people like Desmond could be cut down in the prime of their lives.
As investigations into the incident continued, the university community was left grappling with the painful reality of the loss of one of their own, while struggling to come to terms with the challenges of maintaining peace and security on their campus.
