An unidentified student of the University of Benin was shot dead on Sunday evening by masked gunmen at the Ugbowo campus of the institution.

Eyewitnesses said the student was attacked at close range inside his GLK Mercedes Benz shortly after completing his examinations in the Political Science Department.

Two other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries during the attack and were taken to the university’s health centre for treatment.

The assailants reportedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Police officers from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters later arrived at the scene and evacuated the victim’s remains.

The Divisional Police Officer, Emmanuel, said details surrounding the incident were still unclear, adding that an official statement had yet to be issued.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, has arrested 12 suspected cultists in Auchi, Etsako West Local Council of the state.

The suspects were apprehended at Amazing Grace Estate in Elele Community, Uzairue, following what police described as credible intelligence.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, the operation was carried out on May 7.

Ikoedem said seven of the suspects confessed to being members of cult groups, including the Aye and Vikings confraternities.

Operatives also recovered a grey Mercedes Benz Jeep with registration number GWA 471 DS, allegedly belonging to a fugitive identified as Balogun Israel.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.

Agbonika reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and violent crimes across the state.

He added that the suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit and would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

The command also warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities or leave the state, stressing its readiness to deal decisively with anyone threatening public peace and security.