The tragic gunmen attack at the University of Benin main gate has left one student dead and two others injured after armed assailants opened fire on a vehicle exiting the campus in Benin City, Edo State. The incident occurred near the Ugbowo entrance of the institution, where unidentified gunmen targeted occupants of a car shortly after academic activities on Sunday. The violent gunmen attack has intensified concerns over student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The University of Benin, a major federal institution established in 1970, hosts thousands of students across multiple faculties and campuses in Edo State. The Ugbowo campus serves as its main academic and administrative hub.
Eyewitness accounts reported that the victims were attacked while leaving the campus premises after what was believed to be academic activities earlier in the day. Security presence in the area has historically been maintained by a combination of police operatives and private campus security personnel, especially around high-traffic student movement hours. The gunmen attack occurred close to a highly populated access point, heightening panic among students and nearby residents who witnessed the shooting.
According to eyewitness reports, the attackers trailed a vehicle carrying students and opened fire at close range near the main gate area. The vehicle was forced to a halt during the assault, and the gunmen immediately fled the scene after the attack. One student was confirmed dead at the scene, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the University of Benin Health Centre for emergency treatment.
The attack reportedly took place shortly after the students had completed academic activities within the campus, increasing concerns that the victims may have been specifically targeted. Security operatives from the nearby police division arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to evacuate the deceased and secure the area for investigation.
Police authorities have not yet released an official detailed statement on the attack at the time of reporting. However, preliminary security response involved cordoning off the affected area and initiating investigations into the identities of the attackers.
The gunmen attack has prompted renewed calls for improved surveillance and security reinforcement around university entry and exit points, particularly during peak student movement periods. Campus officials are also expected to work closely with security agencies to review access control measures and strengthen emergency response protocols.
The incident adds to growing concerns over safety in and around Nigerian tertiary institutions, where students have occasionally been exposed to violent crimes, abductions, and armed attacks.
The gunmen attack at UNIBEN highlights vulnerabilities around major campus gateways, where student movement is often high and security coverage may be stretched. Education stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for stronger coordination between university authorities and security agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
