A dark cloud of mourning has descended upon the Rivers State student community following the tragic killing of Precious A. Briggs, a final-year student of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Bayelsa State. The young student was reportedly shot by suspected cultists just two days after his sign-out celebration, marking the end of his academic journey.
The incident, which occurred outside the university campus, has sparked widespread grief and condemnation, particularly among student leaders and members of the National Independent Students Union Government (NIDSUG).
According to a social media post shared by Maaloo Dgreat, a close associate and fellow student leader, the late Briggs had allegedly been involved in a quarrel with a cult group prior to the attack. The assailants reportedly opened fire on him as he turned to leave the scene.
“He was shot last night by cultists outside the school campus in Amassoma. I was reliably told that he had a quarrel and a fight with a cult group and was shot as he turned to go home,” Maaloo wrote in his emotional tribute.
Friends who witnessed the attack rushed Briggs to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he was denied immediate medical attention. He succumbed to his injuries before he could be stabilized.
“He was awaiting his final project defense in just three days. This is so sad and heartbreaking,” Maaloo added.
The news of Briggs’ death has since gone viral, triggering a wave of reactions on social media, with students and sympathizers expressing anger, disbelief, and deep sorrow.
Saviour Saviour Idungafa described Briggs as a “very gallant comrade in NIDSUG,” while Christine Kyle Ebohimen questioned the continued existence of cult groups in Nigerian campuses. Emumotimi Bryant Sien called for a total ban on campus cultism, suggesting that any form of initiation should be limited to post-graduation phases.
Victor Amatu, another commentator, lamented, “It’s unbelievable. I can’t imagine it’s true… What is NDU turning into at the moment? It’s just like a film to my hearing.”
As tributes continue to pour in, many are calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the killing, while urging authorities to clamp down on cult-related violence in tertiary institutions across the country.
The tragic demise of Precious A. Briggs is yet another painful reminder of the dangers lurking within the walls of institutions meant to shape and protect the future of Nigeria’s youth.
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