A final-year student of University of Benin simply known as Desmond was on Monday shot dead in his room at the Hall 3 Hostel by unknown gunmen in what appeared like a cult-related incident.

The late student popularly known as ‘Mayor’ was said to be in the Department of Public Administration and was shot at about 9 pm on Monday.

The incident caused panic among students. He was also said to be a Kegite chief before he was killed.

A student who pleaded anonymity said the deceased was shot in the face at point-blank range.

The student said, “The killing of Desmond has caused panic in the school. Students are even afraid to stay in the hostel. He was shot in the face and had no chance to survive the attack.”

As at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that his remains had been deposited in the mortuary at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

However, attempts to get a reaction from the school proved abortive as a WhatsApp message sent to the Public Relations Officer of the University, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, was not replied to.