Unidentified gunmen have killed a senior staff of the University of Benin, Edo State capital, Professor Paul Otasowie.
Professor Otasowie was said to have been shot dead by the armed men in front of his residence on Ekehuan road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state yesterday, Wednesday evening.
The professor who worked in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of the university was allegedly shot during an attempted kidnap.
He had formerly served as director of the university’s Industrial Training and Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme,
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, confirmed the incident, saying: “We lost him (Otasowie) yesterday. We are trying to gather the right information now because we are getting different versions.
“The first version said that it was an assassination while the second version said that it was armed robbery; that he was inside a car and they shot him.”
The university’s spokesman described the death of the professor as a huge loss to the university community, adding the deceased was a hardworking and dedicated staff.
“For now, the university cannot ascertain what has transpired. But we are sending delegates now to the house to meet with the family.
“We commiserate with the family and it is a big blow to the university. He was one of the persons who have ensured that work is done and done well.”
He, however, noted that the institution was concerned about the level of insecurity in the state.
“The vice-chancellor, Prof. Orunmwense is saddened with this development. We just wish that this insecurity in Edo State is looked into. Just recently, (Joseph) Osayomore was kidnapped.
“The level of insecurity now is becoming something else. The vice-chancellor commiserates with the family and the school is mourning.”
Source: PUNCH
