A year-one student of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers State, is reportedly battling for his life after sustaining a gunshot injury at the university’s Faculty of Education on Wednesday.
The identity of the student was not disclosed as at the time of filing this report.
THISDAY gathered that the victim was rushed to a hospital for treatment, where his colleagues were reportedly asked to raise N300,000 before surgery could commence.
A source close to the victim said his girlfriend, who was with him at the hospital, confirmed that he was receiving treatment and required urgent surgery.
According to the source, the victim’s coursemates had commenced an emergency fundraising effort, contributing money among themselves to meet the hospital’s financial requirement and facilitate the surgery.
The incident has heightened anxiety among students and renewed concerns over security at the institution, particularly against the backdrop of previous violent confrontations allegedly involving suspected cult groups.
The circumstances surrounding yesterday’s shooting remained unclear at the time of filing this report, while it was also not immediately established whether the incident was connected to a cult-related confrontation.
Meanwhile, the university management has suspended all remaining activities scheduled for the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Week with immediate effect.
In a notice signed by the Registrar, Dr. Chinonye Abraham Ajie, students were directed to return to classes on Thursday, August 13, for normal academic activities.
The management also warned students against engaging in any action capable of disrupting academic activities or threatening peace on campus.
The university authorities further stated that students who fail to attend lectures would be held responsible for their actions.
As of press time, there was no official statement from the State Police Command or the university management specifically confirming the reported shooting or providing details on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Blessing Ibunge
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