UNIBEN gate shooting sparks outrage as Governor Monday Okpebholo vows justice after gunmen killed a student in Benin City

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Monday condemned the fatal shooting of a youth near the main gate of University of Benin, describing the attack as unacceptable and a grave threat to public safety.

Also read: Gunmen kill UNIBEN part-time student near campus gate

The governor’s reaction followed the killing of Alexander Omogiate, who was shot dead by masked gunmen in broad daylight on Sunday evening while driving out of the university’s Ugbowo campus in Benin City.

A statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, said the killing on a day regarded as sacred by many represented an affront to human dignity and everything the administration stands for.

“Governor Okpebholo extends his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased, whose life was violently and senselessly cut short,” the statement read.

The governor assured residents that the Edo State Government would not allow the case to be ignored, stressing that those behind the attack would be identified and prosecuted.

According to the statement, the Edo State Police Command has commenced investigations into the incident, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators.

“They may run, but they cannot hide forever,” the statement added.

Governor Monday Okpebholo also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to combat cult-related violence across the state through coordinated security operations and community engagement initiatives.

The statement noted that the government has strengthened collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army to dismantle cult networks operating in Edo State.

The government further highlighted rehabilitation and reintegration programmes aimed at preventing vulnerable youths from being recruited into violent groups.

Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledged that although recent security measures have produced encouraging results, the shocking killing underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts against cultism and violent crime.

“Edo State will not be a sanctuary for criminals. Those who carry arms and terrorise innocent people will face the full consequences of the law,” the statement said.

Eyewitnesses said Alexander Omogiate had reportedly completed examinations in the Political Science Department about an hour before the deadly attack occurred.

Witnesses further disclosed that the gunmen opened fire at close range on the victim’s JLK Mercedes-Benz vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Three other occupants of the vehicle reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack, while a passerby was also struck by a bullet.

The injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that the shooting occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and said investigations were ongoing.

Police operatives from the Ugbowo Divisional Headquarters were later seen evacuating the victim’s remains from the scene as tension spread across the university community.

Also read: Gunmen brutally kill GLK driver near UNIBEN gate

The governor appealed to members of the public with useful information about the attack to cooperate with security agencies, assuring residents that all information received would be treated confidentially.