Rival Cult Clashes Explode Into Gunfire At Ignatius Ajuru University

(Ignatius Ajuru University. Photo by Punch News)

Suspected members of rival c¥lt groups launched a violent confrontation at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday, with g¥nshots exchanged between the factions.

The clash pitted the ‘Vikings’ and ‘Clansmen’ confraternities against one another in a territorial dispute, with the precise trigger remaining unclear.

The violence erupted during the university’s ongoing Students’ Union Government activities.

Video footage circulating online captured the chaotic scene as students fled seeking shelter, with g¥nshots sounding across campus.

No fatalities were reported, though academic operations ceased temporarily as the student population retreated to classrooms and residential facilities to avoid stray rounds.

Port Harcourt-based rights advocate Charles Jaja condemned the incident as symptomatic of institutional collapse, arguing that the university management has forfeited operational control over its campus.

He called for enforcement-led interventions coupled with intelligence-based security protocols and rapid disciplinary action to minimise c¥ltism, noting that a comparable approach had proven effective at a sister institution under previous leadership.

Fellow rights activist Prince Wiro expressed alarm at the recurring nature of such incidents, characterising the latest clash as damaging to institutional reputation and state credibility.

He cautioned that persistent security failures risk eroding parental confidence and enrollment numbers, urging the state governor to intervene and strengthen security arrangements.

The State Police Command confirmed the c¥lt cl@sh and stated that officers responded to a distress call, arriving promptly to restore order.

Police denied firing w£@pons during the operation, emphasising that officers employed containment measures only.

Investigation remains ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible, with several suspects having fled the scene.