Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
Suspected cult members have reportedly murdered a 200-level student of the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased, James Okunmakpeye, a student of Marketing at the Faculty of Management Sciences of the institution, was allegedly shot in the head at a close range on Wednesday.
The bullet reportedly pierced through his right eye while standing by the door of his lecture hall.
The news of his killing threw the school into turmoil as many of his coursemates and lecturers alike scampered for safety.
The body of the deceased was said to be left in the pool of blood for sometime before it was evacuated thereafter.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Ingezi Idoni, confirmed the development.
He assured journalists that the school authorities were investigating the incident and had contacted security personnel over the killing
Idoni, who said the deceased was shot dead during lecture hours, stated: “There was a lecturer in the class during the incident.
He was shot by the door of the lecture room. He was late to the class and was being asked to come into the lecture hall.
While he was offering reasons for his lateness, someone came from behind and shot him.
“The culprit after carrying out the dastardly act ran towards the Ogunbiri side of the institution where the perimeter fencing has failed and escaped.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the Bayelsa State Government to assist the institution in the completion of the perimeter fencing of the institution to assist in proper security of lives and property of the institution.”
Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.
He, however, said he was waiting for details from the Police Divisional Headquarters in Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.