The University of Benin, UNIBEN, has announced the temporary suspension of academic activities at the Ugbowo campus of the institution over the host community’s burial of a vigilante chairman slated for Saturday.
The institution revealed 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 slain some time ago at Ekosodin community.
“The alert from the information gathered concerns the burial ceremony this weekend of the vigilante chairman killed some time ago at Ekosodin.
“Students are therefore advised to wrap up all activities today, Friday 9th February by 6 pm and to go back 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 go back 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 shut 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.