Gunfire at Rivers university during student event sparks security concerns

Gunfire erupted at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a student event, sending students fleeing for safety and temporarily halting academic activities. The incident, which occurred at the university's Rumuolumeni campus in ObioAkpor Local Government Area, was confirmed by police as a clash between rival cult groups.

According to multiple accounts, the confrontation took place during the ongoing Students Union Government week celebrations. Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire for over 20 minutes, with videos circulating on social media showing students running across campus and hiding in hostels and classrooms to avoid stray bullets. The police and university officials confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.

The Rivers State Police Command, through spokesperson ASP Blessing Agabe, stated that officers responded promptly to a distress call and restored calm. Agabe emphasized that police did not fire any shots, describing their actions as "proactive measures necessary to contain and arrest the situation." She confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved, though members...