The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has called for a thorough investigation into the tragic death of one of its students, Godwin Akpakpan, a 300-level Computer Science undergraduate, who was reportedly killed by a stray bullet fired by an unidentified soldier.
Akpakpan’s family has accused the police of covering up the incident, alleging that the Rivers State Police Command has refused to reveal the identity of the soldier involved.
The deceased’s brother, Francis Akpakpan, recounted that Godwin had visited his lounge on April 16 to watch a football match and left afterwards.
However, repeated calls to his phone went unanswered. The following day, April 17, a man claiming to be a police officer answered the phone and informed the family that Godwin had been shot by a soldier.
Francis said efforts to uncover the identity of the shooter have been stonewalled, with the police allegedly shielding the military personnel involved.
Responding to the family’s claims, Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that the student was hit by a stray bullet during a clash involving military personnel not the police.
She explained that the student was in a vehicle stopped at a police checkpoint during a routine search. A parcel of Indian hemp was allegedly found in the car, and the occupants were being taken to the station for further questioning.
On the way, the police team reportedly encountered a confrontation between civilians and military officers. During the altercation, a shot fired by a soldier struck the student’s vehicle, fatally wounding Godwin, who later died at the hospital.
However, Iringe-Koko did not provide details on the military personnel or the unit involved.
In a statement released by UNIPORT’s Head of Information, Publications, and Public Relations, Dr. Sam Kpenu, the university expressed deep sorrow over the loss and demanded a full investigation.
“The university is actively engaging with relevant security authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” Kpenu stated. “We expect a thorough investigation and appropriate actions in line with justice and the rule of law.”
He urged students and staff to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigations without disruption.
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The University of Port Harcourt extended its condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirmed its commitment to student safety, pledging to work toward preventing similar tragedies in the future.
