In a shocking turn of events, a final year student of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Miss Ibrahim Asmat Happy, and a ticket seller serving commercial motorcyclists, fell victim to an unfortunate shooting by unidentified gunmen on the afternoon of August 30, 2023. The incident unfolded outside Area II of Auchi Polytechnic, leaving the campus community in shock and mourning.
Miss Happy, a dedicated student of the Public Administration Department within the institution, was fatally struck down, alongside the ticket seller, whose identity is yet to be disclosed. Reports indicate that the incident was not intended to target the student, but rather the ticket seller who operated with the local motorcyclists.
The office of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Polytechnic issued a somber statement, confirming the heartbreaking event. According to the statement, “The final year student identified as ‘Ibrahim Asmat Happy’ from the Department of Public Administration, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, tragically lost her life due to the unfortunate incident involving unidentified gunmen. It was gathered that Asmat was not the intended target by the gunmen but the Bikers Ticket Issuer. She was only at the scene to pay a motorcycle rider who [transported] her to the scene with the five hundred naira note which was later found in her dead hand.”
In the wake of the tragedy, there had been speculations connecting the incident to a recent media swag publicity event held by the Mass Communication students. However, interviews conducted with event committee members and eyewitnesses revealed no connection between the event and the unfortunate shooting. Witnesses clarified that those who attended the publicity event were in fact fleeing for their safety during the incident.
Edo State Police Command Spokesman, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, acknowledged the incident and confirmed its occurrence in a telephone conversation with our correspondent. However, he noted that the police were still working to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation. “We are yet to get a clear picture of the incident from the Auchi Divisional Police Officer. When that is done, we will come up with a statement,” Nwabuzor stated.
