- It resulted in gunshots and machete fights that disrupted the university’s peace
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three University of Port Harcourt students following a violent altercation between factions of the Vikings cult on campus.
The incident, which took place on Thursday, involved a power struggle over leadership within the group, resulting in gunshots and machete fights that disrupted the university’s peace.
One student sustained machete injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The Police Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects are being profiled and investigations are ongoing.
UNIPORT’s Students Union Government (SUG) President, Martins Azirindu, acknowledged the incident, explaining that the clash occurred between two rival factions of the Vikings Confraternity. He urged authorities to address the situation and advocated for increased security patrols and clearance of bushy areas around campus to prevent criminal activities.
The university administration, in a statement on Friday, denied reports of casualties and commended the swift intervention of security forces. UNIPORT’s spokesperson, Dr. Sam Kpenu, said the combined efforts of the university management, security units, and anti-cultism police prevented the violence from escalating.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, also visited the scene to supervise the situation’s resolution, emphasizing the university’s commitment to maintaining safety and a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism.
The campus has since returned to normal activities, with both staff and students continuing their daily routines.