A year-one student of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers State, is reportedly battling for his life after he was shot at the university’s Faculty of Education on Wednesday.

The student, whose identity was yet to be made public, was said to have been rushed to a hospital following the shooting, as his colleagues launched an emergency fundraising effort to raise ₦300,000 reportedly demanded by the hospital before surgery could begin.

A source close to the victim said his girlfriend, who was at the hospital with him, confirmed that the student was receiving treatment and required urgent surgery.

The source said the victim’s coursemates were contributing money among themselves in an attempt to raise the required amount and secure treatment for their colleague.

The shooting has triggered fresh fears among students and heightened concerns over the security situation at the university.

Although the immediate circumstances of the shooting remained unclear, the development comes against the background of previous violent confrontations involving suspected cult groups at the institution.

At the time of filing this report, there is no official statement from either the Police or the school management have said anything concerning the incident. (The Guardian)