By Our Correspondent

National News – Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has condemned the fatal shooting of a University of Benin (UNIBEN) student, Alexander Omogiate, who was killed by masked gunmen at the main gate of the Ugbowo campus in Benin City.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday in broad daylight, also left two occupants of a JLK Mercedes Benz injured and a passerby wounded.

The governor described the incident as a threat to public safety and ordered security agencies to intensify investigations, promising that those responsible will be apprehended and brought to justice under the law.

The killing, which took place on Sunday, involved armed masked assailants who reportedly opened fire at close range as the victim attempted to leave the university premises after completing examinations in the Political Science department.

Eyewitnesses said chaos erupted around 5:00 pm (17:00hrs), with bullets striking the victim inside his vehicle while two others sustained injuries and were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation has commenced to determine the motive, with cult-related violence suspected as a possible cause.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized collaboration between the police, DSS, and military to dismantle criminal networks and curb cultism across the state, urging residents to provide credible information.

The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity and cult-related violence in Edo State, with authorities reiterating that Edo will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

The governor assured the bereaved family that the case would not be swept under the rug, stressing that justice remains a top priority.

He further called on community leaders, youth groups, and religious institutions to support ongoing security efforts aimed at preventing further attacks.

The police have urged members of the public with useful information about the attackers to report promptly, assuring confidentiality.

The tragic event underscores the need for stronger surveillance around educational institutions to protect students, staff, and visitors from armed criminal groups operating within the state.