Nigeria Tragedy as Kogi Varsity 300-Level Student Shot Dead on Campus
The Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) community in Anyigba, Kogi State, has been thrown into mourning following a tragic incident. A 300-level student, David Ocholi Solomon, was shot dead on campus during the Final Year Brethren (FYB) celebration by suspected cult members. An eyewitness narrated how the tragic incident led to Solomon's death on the university campus on Thursday night, June 11, 2026.
Details of the Incident
Solomon was killed during FYB celebrations after members of a cult group reportedly started intimidating students with uncomplimentary remarks. According to Daily Trust, the shooting occurred during an exchange of gunfire after a cult member stepped on the foot of a rival cult member, leading to an altercation. The rival cult member, out of anger, allegedly brought out a weapon and stabbed the victim, known as the Chief Butcher Dior. An eyewitness recounted: Dior fell, and his fellow cult members initially thought he had survived because he stood up, but he later fell again, relapsed into a coma, and died. When his assailant realized that Dior had fallen, he entered his car and drove off. In solidarity, members of the deceased cult member tried to stop him by jumping on his car and throwing stones, but they did not succeed.
University Response and Ban on Celebrations
Reacting to the tragic incident, university management banned all forms of celebration on campus until further notice. The statement partially reads: Consequently, activities such as Final Year Brethren (FYB), Cultural Association celebrations, Signing out celebrations, Departmental Association celebrations, and Faculty Association celebrations, Awareness or any related festive events are no longer permitted during this period.
Similar Incidents in Other Institutions
This incident echoes a previous tragedy at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, where a student, Babalola Marvelous Ishola, was shot dead during a sign-out party. Police arrested sixteen suspects and launched a full investigation. Additionally, a Yaba College of Technology student was shot dead near the institution’s back gate shortly after finishing his exams in a suspected cult-related attack. Police confirmed the killing and arrested seven suspects, recovering ammunition and charms from the scene. These incidents add to a recent wave of cult violence in Lagos and other regions.
