EKPOMA: Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed at least five persons including two final year students of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma at a graduation party, last Tuesday.
The gunmen were said to have opened fire on the celebrating students after one of them was allegedly provoked during the ceremony which held at Judges quarters, Ihumudumu, Ekpoma town, about 8pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2018.
Among the casualties were the son of a former Chairman of Esan West local government area of Edo state said to have just completed his Master degree in architecture, one Ose Abolo and a final year medical student simply identified as Dr Einstein.
The identities of others remained unknown at press time yesterday.
Investigation revealed that the shooting occurred in a nearby bar operated by an ex-banker (name withheld) where the victims relocated to after the altercation at the party venue.
It was further gathered that the earlier provocation inside the party which ended in a fisticuffs as those who participated in stopping it were issued a serious threat by one of the fighters who accused them of tearing his shirt.
He was said to have left the party thereafter but returned with armed men who opened fire on the celebrants leaving many dead and scores injured.
Confirming the bloodbath, Commissioner of Police in Edo CP Johnson Kokumo said one person died while four others who sustained bullet wounds have been taken to hospital.
He added that the shooting was between two rival cult groups as four persons had been arrested while arms and ammunition recovered.
Sources said students of the institution are now living in fear of possible reprisal as they prepare to end the session.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Public Relations Officer of the university Mr Edward Aihevba, were unsuccessful.
