Gunshots as rival cultists clash at Rivers varsity
August 11, 2026 11:08 am
By Dennis Naku
Suspected rival cultists went on the rampage at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, exchanging gunfire on Monday.
It was gathered that the clash was between two rival cult groups identified as the Vikings and Clansmen confraternities in a battle for supremacy.
Though the immediate cause of the clash could not be ascertained, it was gathered that the violence between the rival groups erupted during the ongoing Students’ Union Government Week of the university.
A viral video of the incident circulating on social media showed students scampering for safety as gunshots rented the air, although no casualty was recorded.
Thereafter, academic activities were temporarily halted as most students left the campus or hid in classrooms and hostels to avoid being hit by stray bullets.
Commenting on the incident, a Port Harcourt-based rights activist, Charles Jaja, said the clash showed that the management of the institution had lost control of the campus of the state-owned institution.
Jaja called on the university authorities to brace up to the challenge of rampaging cultists in the school, saying such a development was unacceptable, especially in a university.
He stated, “Yesterday’s gunshot at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is a sad reminder of what a university ought not to be and I think that the school management has lost control of its campus.
“There must be a deliberate attempt by them (management) to do things differently. And I think that they should under-study what was done at the Rivers State University (sister institution) under the watch of Prof. Barineme Fakae as Vice Chancellor then.
“The model he used was simple. It was just enforcement of rules and intelligence-driven security and swift sanctions which was what was needed to push cultism to the barest minimum and gave birth to the peace on the campus.
“This is what I advocate because at a time a university which is supposed to be a place for character building, research and learning has now become a theater for cultism and violence. This is unacceptable.”
Also speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday morning, another rights activist and National Coordinator, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, Prince Wiro, expressed worry over repeated cult clashes in the school.
Wiro described the latest clash as embarrassing to the institution and the state government.
“There have been reported cases of cult clashes in and around the university in the last one year before the latest incident on Monday.
“Such repeated incidents suggest the security arrangements in the institution may not be adequate. It will also erode confidence of parents on the security architecture of the University and many parents may not want their children to be enrolled in the University.
“I use this medium to call on the Rivers State Governor who is the visitor to the institution to invite the leadership of the University with a view to discussing ways of enhancing security in and out of the institution,” he stated.
When contacted on Tuesday morning, spokesman for the state police vommand, Blessing Agabe, confirmed that it was a clash between rival gangs in the campus.
Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, dismissed claims that the gunshots heard during the clash were not fired by operatives, insisting that men of the command promptly responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene, restoring calm.
She stated, “It was a clash between two cult groups. The police responded promptly and arrived at the scene in good time, successfully bringing the situation under control, saying investigation is ongoing.
“No shots were fired by the police, as the officers only took proactive measures necessary to contain and arrest the situation. No lives were lost. However, members of the groups fled the scene, while investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved.”
Dennis Naku is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with approximately 19 years of professional experience. He has previously worked with Champion Newspapers and National Mirror Newspaper, reporting across multiple beats. His work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to professional journalism practice.
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