by Isi Esene

There are reports that unknown gunmen have shot dead a student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and two others around the Choba area of River State.

According to witnesses, an unnamed student of the university, his girlfriend, and another individual who, according to sources, had just completed his national youth service in Port Harcourt were approached by gunmen and shot to death for reasons yet unknown.

This killing is coming weeks after another gruesome murder of four UNIPORT students who were accused of stealing laptops and smartphones.

The three latest victims were shot at close range at about 10pm on Thursday by unknown gunmen driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV).

According to sources, the murdered individuals had gone out to celebrate the passing out of the youth corps member and rammed their car into a shop on their way back.

An argument ensued between the car occupants and the shop owner and within a few moments some gunmen reportedly arrived the scene and shot the three individuals.

Reports say the gunmen did not take anything from the murdered persons.

The Rivers State police public relations officer, Ben Ugwuegbulam, confirmed the incident but said he does not have details of the case.

The deputy registrar (Information) of the university, Williams Wodi, said, “After the protest of October 8, UNIPORT was shut on October 9. I am not in a position to comment on students who ought to be in their parents’ homes. We are awaiting police reaction.”