UNIBEN Student Shot Dead Near Ugbowo Gate After Exams as Chaplain Resigns Over Alleged Inaction on Cultism

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Tension has gripped University of Benin following the reported killing of a student who was allegedly shot dead inside a vehicle near the Ugbowo Campus gate shortly after examinations on Monday evening.

The shocking incident has sparked fresh fears over rising cult-related violence within the university community and triggered the resignation of Rev. Egbenusi Osazee David, the Chaplain of All Saints’ Chapel and Chairman of the Committee on Campus Restiveness and Cultism (CR4IC).

In a strongly worded resignation letter released on Tuesday, Rev. David announced his immediate withdrawal from the anti-cultism committee, citing what he described as institutional inaction, lack of support, and threats directed at his office despite repeated security concerns raised by the committee.

“I hereby resign the chairmanship of the CR4IC with immediate effect,” the cleric stated in the letter. “I do so not in retreat, and not in fear. I do so in the interest of the dignity of this sacred office.”

The chaplain linked his resignation to the latest killing, describing the shooting as another tragic consequence of the growing “menace of cultism” within the university environment. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased student and urged the institution’s management to address campus insecurity with urgency.

According to him, a committee established to combat cultism cannot function effectively “when the very authority that established it responds to security intelligence with threats rather than with action.”

Despite stepping down from the committee, Rev. David maintained that All Saints’ Chapel would continue to support students and advocate for peace and justice within the university community.

“We will continue to serve, to pray, to advocate, and to speak truth to power whenever truth is demanded, whatever that witness may cost,” he declared.

The killing, believed to have occurred close to the Ugbowo Campus gate, has reignited concerns among students, parents, and alumni over the resurgence of cult-related violence at UNIBEN. The institution has battled several incidents linked to campus cultism in recent years, leading to the formation of CR4IC as part of efforts to restore order and improve campus security.

As of the time of filing this report, the university management had yet to issue an official statement regarding the student’s death or the resignation of the chaplain.

The development has also generated widespread reactions on social media, where students and alumni are demanding stronger security measures and decisive action against cult activities on campus.

Rev. David copied his resignation letter to the Bishop of the Diocese of Esan and the Registrar of the University of Benin for official record purposes.

Security agencies are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting as anxiety continues to spread across the university community.

This is a developing story.