Gunmen stormed the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo State on Friday, killing a physiotherapist identified as Alex in what sources have described as a cult-related attack.
The tragic incident occurred while the health worker was on duty at the hospital’s physiotherapy department, triggering chaos as patients and staff fled in panic.
“The attack threw patients and staff into panic as they scampered for safety,” a source said.
In response to the killing, health workers at UBTH staged a protest within the hospital premises, carrying placards and voicing their frustration over the growing wave of insecurity threatening medical institutions.
Joshua Uwaila, the Public Relations Officer of UBTH, confirmed the killing and disclosed that security agencies had been notified.
“A physiotherapist with UBTH was shot dead on Friday. The matter has been reported to the appropriate security agencies,” he said.
This incident adds to a recent spate of violence around the university community. Just days earlier, on Tuesday, two police officers were killed in a fatal accident involving a truck at the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Eyewitnesses reported that the officers were riding a motorcycle when a speeding truck ran them over around 2 p.m.
Students and staff at UNIBEN said the officers died instantly, and the tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the campus and surrounding areas.
As of the time of this report, authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the officers.
