Tragedy at UNIBEN: Gunmen Open Fire on Students’ Vehicle in Benin, One Dead, Several Injured

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Panic and fear gripped residents around the University of Benin axis on Saturday evening after unknown gunmen reportedly opened fire on occupants of a Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle near the university’s main gate, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

According to a statement issued by the Edo State Police Command, the fatal shooting occurred on May 10, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. around the Ugbowo campus area of the university.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that three occupants of the vehicle — identified as Onwuke Blessed, Alexander Omogiate, and Chinenye Christian Mbagwu — were driving out of the university when another white GLK vehicle suddenly intercepted them at the main gate.

The attackers reportedly lowered the windows of their vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene to an unknown destination.

During the attack, all occupants of the vehicle sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A female passerby identified as Dorathy Ubah was also hit by stray bullets in the chaos.

Police operatives were said to have responded swiftly after receiving distress calls and immediately evacuated the victims to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment.

However, medical personnel later confirmed that Alexander Omogiate died from injuries sustained during the attack, while other victims are currently responding to treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, ordered a full-scale investigation aimed at identifying and arresting the fleeing gunmen.

The police command also issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within the state, especially around tertiary institutions, stressing that security agencies remain committed to combating violent crimes and restoring safety across Edo State.

“The Command assures the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice,” the statement read.

Authorities further appealed to members of the public with useful information that could aid investigations to report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.

The statement was signed by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem.