A stray bullet, fired by unidentified individuals suspected to be cultists, has tragically ended the life of a 100-level female student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State. The incident occurred late Thursday near Miracle Junction in Ifite Awka.
Eyewitnesses report that the assailants were pursuing a tricycle operator. They missed their intended target, and one of the stray bullets struck the student, identified only as Uche.
She was a student in the medical laboratory department and was on her way to the market when the incident happened.
The tricycle operator was also shot but managed to escape by feigning death. The body of the deceased student has been deposited at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Amaku Awka.
Anambra State Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident. He stated that the police have intensified patrols in the area and are seeking eyewitness accounts to aid their investigation.
Editorial
The tragic loss of a young studentโs life due to a stray bullet is a grim reminder of the escalating violence and insecurity plaguing Nigeriaโs educational institutions.
This incident, suspected to be cult-related, underscores the urgent need for heightened security measures within and around campuses.
The role of the police in swiftly responding to such incidents is crucial. However, the community also plays a part in assisting law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information.
Educational institutions must collaborate with security agencies to ensure the safety of their students. This incident should be a wake-up call for all stakeholders to take immediate action.
Did You Know?
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, commonly known as UNIZIK, is one of the federal universities in Nigeria.
- Cultism in Nigerian universities has been a long-standing issue, often leading to violence and loss of life.
- Anambra State is located in the southeastern region of Nigeria and is known for its rich cultural heritage.
- Stray bullets are a common cause of accidental deaths in areas with high levels of violent crime.
- The Nigerian police force has various specialized units designed to combat different forms of crime, including cultism.
