Delta State University Suspends Academic Activities Following Deadly Clashes in Abraka
Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has suspended all academic activities following a violent clash that occurred during the institution’s ongoing Students’ Week celebrations.
The incident, which took place on campus grounds, left at least one student critically injured and sparked widespread concern about student safety and governance.
The clash reportedly began on June 5, 2025, during a welcome party organized by the Department of Accounting.
According to eyewitnesses, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Mathias Jimson, confronted the departmental organizers, claiming the event violated university policy that prohibits multiple events from taking place during Students’ Week without central coordination.
The confrontation escalated quickly into a physical altercation. In the ensuing chaos, Comrade Jimson allegedly stabbed the departmental president, whose identity has not been officially disclosed.
The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
In response to the incident, the university administration, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Egwunyenga, announced the immediate suspension of all academic activities to prioritize student and staff safety.
The Vice-Chancellor described the event as “deeply troubling” and emphasized the university’s commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly.
“The safety of our students and the integrity of our campus environment are non-negotiable. We will leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of this incident,” Professor Egwunyenga said in a statement released on Wednesday.
A special investigative committee has been set up to review the circumstances leading to the violence and recommend disciplinary actions. The university further stated that any individuals found responsible for inciting or perpetrating violence will face strict sanctions as stipulated in its student conduct code.
Despite the suspension of academic activities, the university has allowed the continuation of certain Students’ Week events under strict administrative supervision. Security has been tightened on campus, and students have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Reactions from students have been mixed. While some support the university’s swift action, others have called for deeper reforms in student governance and better mechanisms for conflict resolution to prevent future violence.
This incident has cast a spotlight on growing concerns about student leadership disputes, the oversight of student events, and the broader issues of campus safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Civil society groups and education advocates have since urged universities to institute more robust systems for handling intra-student disagreements without resorting to violence.
As the university community awaits the outcome of the investigation, many are hopeful that this tragic episode will lead to meaningful reforms and a renewed commitment to peaceful student engagement.
