The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Benin branch, has voiced apprehension regarding the safety of its members in light of recent attacks by students at the institution. Citing incidents of violence against lecturers and management staff, ASUU expressed reluctance to resume academic activities on April 28, underscoring the challenges of teaching and research in an environment where educators are targeted for brutalization or worse.

The statement issued by UNIBEN ASUU leadership, signed by Chairman Ray Chikogu and Secretary Success Abusomwan, highlighted the attempted murder of Dr. Presley Osemwengie, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, as emblematic of the pervasive insecurity on campus.The attack on Dr. Osemwengie occurred during an interaction session with Labour candidate Olumide Akpata on April 12, where he was assaulted and left injured by members of the Executive Committee of the University of Benin Students Union.

The incident, which is part of a worrying trend of violence and hostility towards university staff, underscores the urgent need for improved security measures and a conducive learning environment. ASUU emphasized that without assurances of safety and protection, its members cannot effectively carry out their duties of teaching, research, and supervision, signaling a potential delay in resuming academic activities until security concerns are addressed comprehensively by the university administration.