Abia orders probe as ABSU student dies in ‘cult clash’

A 400-level student of the Abia State University (ABSU) has been killed in a clash between “rival cult groups”.

Eyewitnesses told TheCable that the deceased, a student of History, was a member of one of the confraternities on campus.

The incident happened on Monday.

A source who craved anonymity said the deceased was stabbed by members of a rival cult within the university premises.

“They surrounded him and used several sharp objects on him. I do not know what led to the attack. But it could be their regular show of supremacy in the school,” the source said.

The source said the incident generated palpable tension in the school environment, leading to students scampering for safety.

Cult groups in the school, the source added, often fight, maim and kill in the open.

“Previous fighting has resulted in fatalities and injuries among the students. The university management is yet to release an official statement regarding the attack or any measures being taken to ensure the safety of the students,” the source said.

“Students in the school are worried about their safety after the attack, as some have stopped coming to school for fear of the unknown.”

Attempts to reach Levi Nwokocha, the dean of student affairs at ABSU, for comments on the development, proved abortive.

Maureen Chinaka, the Abia police command spokesperson, said those believed to be responsible for the murder had fled the scene when the police arrived.

“The corpse was evacuated from the crime scene to the morgue and exhibits have been recovered. Investigations are ongoing and we will continue to update the public as we progress,” she said.

Okey Kanu, the Abia state commissioner for information and culture, said the government is keeping tabs on the development.

The commissioner spoke on Monday after a state executive council meeting at the government house in Umuahia.

He said security operatives have been deployed to the campus to restore calm while an investigation has commenced.

The commissioner charged students to avoid violence and other actions that could endanger them and thwart their futures.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, media adviser to the governor, said government representatives are engaging stakeholders for a deeper understanding of what transpired.

“What we have heard is that it was a cult clash. We have not established the details of what transpired,” Ekeoma said.