The Chairman of the Cult Renunciation, Reconciliation, Reformation, Rehabilitation and Interfaith Committee (CR4IC) at the University of Benin, Egbenusi Osazee David, has resigned from his position following the killing of a student in a suspected cult-related attack near the institution’s main gate.
In a resignation letter dated May 10, 2026, David accused the university management of repeatedly ignoring recommendations aimed at tackling cultism and improving security on campus.
The cleric, who also serves as Chaplain of All Saints’ Chapel within the university, said he could no longer continue in a role where proposals intended to address violence and insecurity were allegedly neglected.
According to him, several suggestions submitted since his appointment as chairman of the anti-cult committee failed to receive the institutional backing needed for implementation.
David further alleged that shortly before the deadly incident, he had forwarded videos and information relating to suspected cult activities to the Vice Chancellor in what he described as an effort to support urgent security action.
He claimed that after additional footage emerged showing a violent confrontation and the killing of a student near the school gate, he immediately shared the materials with the Vice Chancellor again.
However, the chaplain alleged that instead of focusing on the security situation, the Vice Chancellor responded by demanding that he delete the videos.
According to David, the Vice Chancellor allegedly issued threats during a phone conversation, including warnings that university security personnel could be sent to remove him from the chapel residence if he failed to comply.
“I have not deleted the clips and shall not do so,” David stated in the letter, insisting that evidence connected to the killing should be preserved for possible investigations and disciplinary actions.
He also argued that the university chaplaincy operates independently in matters of conscience and pastoral duty, stressing that his office should not be subjected to intimidation.
The cleric said he had already informed his bishop about the incident and the alleged threats.
Despite resigning from the committee, David maintained that he would continue to speak against cult violence and injustice within the university community.
“Threats do not silence a prophetic conscience. They only clarify it,” he wrote.
The resignation followed the reported killing of a student near the university’s Ugbowo campus in Benin City. The victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of the time of reporting, was allegedly attacked shortly after completing semester examinations.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over insecurity and cult-related violence around the university environment.