Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – Tension engulfed Ebonyi State University (EBSU) on Tuesday after the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election descended into chaos, leaving one student shot and hospitalised.
Police Confirm Arrests and Recovery of Weapon
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the violence. According to reports, the suspects allegedly opened fire during the announcement of election results in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu said in a statement obtained by Channels Television:
“The swift response by our operatives on ground led to the arrest of three suspects, and a locally made pistol used in the act was recovered. The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.”
Eyewitnesses said pandemonium broke out immediately after the gunshot. The victim, a student, was struck by the bullet and rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for urgent treatment.
Police Vow Justice
The police have assured the university community that justice will be served.
“We remain committed to ensuring safety and order during and after the electoral process,” Ukandu added.
The incident has renewed concerns about the rising trend of violence in student politics across Nigerian campuses.
Other Campus Tragedies
The EBSU shooting adds to a growing list of recent violent incidents in tertiary institutions:
Akwa Ibom Polytechnic: A final-year student, Prince, was shot dead by suspected cultists at Ikot Osurua around 1 a.m. on January 15, shortly after completing his last exams and preparing for NYSC mobilisation.
LAUTECH, Ogbomoso: Police in Oyo State confirmed the killing of Babalola Marvelous Ishola, a student shot dead during a sign-out party. His lifeless body was discovered by the roadside, sparking widespread outrage and grief.
A Growing Concern in Student Politics
Analysts warn that recurring cases of gun violence, cult clashes, and politically motivated attacks in Nigerian universities underscore the urgent need for stricter campus security and reforms in student leadership elections.
For many observers, the EBSU incident is another reminder of how student unionism—meant to be a platform for leadership and representation—has increasingly become marred by violence and insecurity.
