The Rivers State Police Command and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, seem to be in disagreement over Monday’s shooting on the campus.
Members of two rival cult groups has clashed in the school during the opening of the 2026 Students’ Week celebration, over territorial control.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the ugly development disrupted academic and other activities on the campus as students and staff reportedly scampered to safety.
While the SUG president of the school, Comrade Alex Onu, insisted that the shooting was carried out by the police, spokesperson of the Command, Blessing Agabe , said no single shot was fired by the law enforcement agents.
Speaking with newsmen, Onu dismissed reports that suspected cultists engaged in a gun battle on the university premises.
He stated that the only gunshot reportedly heard within the university premises was fired by the police into the air to disperse some unknown persons who had entered the institution during the ongoing SUG Week celebration.
But, the police spokesperson, Agabe, who confirmed that the clash was between two rival cult groups, said the police responded promptly to the incident and successfully brought the situation under control.
“The police responded promptly and arrived at the scene in good time, successfully bringing the situation under control. No shots were fired by the police, as the officers only took proportionate measures necessary to contain and arrest the situation.
“No lives were lost. However, members of the groups fled the scene, while investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved,” she said.
