The management of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has ordered the temporary suspension of academic activities at the Ugbowo campus of the institution over the host community’s burial of a vigilante chairman scheduled for Saturday.
The institution disclosed this in a statement dated February 9, 2024, signed by Professor Clement Ighodaro, Dean of Students Affairs, on behalf of the management of the institution.
In the statement by the institution titled “Notice to UNIBEN Students on Security Alerts in Ekosodin Community and its Environ,” Prof. Ighodaro said the vigilante chairman was killed some time ago at Ekosodin community.
“The alert from the information gathered concerns the burial ceremony this weekend of the vigilante chairman murdered some time ago at Ekosodin.
“Students are therefore advised to conclude all activities today, Friday 9th February by 6 pm and to return to their places of abode in the community and to stay indoors.
“They are to remain indoors the next day, Saturday, until the events of the burial in the community are over and other citizens can move about freely. Students on campus are also advised to return to their respective hostels before nightfall during this period,” he said.
He also informed members of the university community that the institution’s gate leading to Ekosodin will be closed at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, confirmed the statement.
“The notice is from the university authority,” she said.
