Abia probes alleged cult killing of 400-level ABSU student

The Abia State government has launched an investigation into the death of an unnamed 400-level student at Abia State University (ABSU) during a clash between rival cult groups.

The Guardian learnt that the student was killed at the institution on Monday.

The government’s response was announced, yesterday, by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing.

Kanu confirmed reports of the student’s death and acknowledged the circulation of online videos of the incident.

He said: “It has come to the notice of the government that there have been skirmishes in Abia State University, Uturu, within some student groups. Some videos have been trending online, to the effect that a student lost his life in these skirmishes.

“As a responsive and responsible government, some remedial actions have been taken to restore peace and order on campus. Government has dispatched security agencies to take control of the situation at ABSU. Investigation in that regard has been instituted.”

Kanu urged students across all tertiary institutions in the state to prioritise peace and avoid violence that could endanger their lives and academic pursuits.

Also, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, acknowledged initial uncertainties regarding the specifics of the clash. He confirmed that government representatives were dispatched to liaise with relevant authorities and establish a clear picture of the events.

He said: “As a government, we’ve swiftly deployed representatives of the government who will interface with authorised persons to find out exactly what happened. At this moment, what we have heard is that it was a cult clash, and we have not established the details of what transpired. Once we do that, we will update you.”

Confirming the development, spokesperson for Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said: “Our officers, in collaboration with the military, swiftly responded and arrived at the crime scene, causing the culprits to flee upon sighting the police.

“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.”