Police have confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the killing Professor Paul Otasowie of the Department of Electrical/Electrical Engineering, University of Benin.
Professor Otasowie was murdered last Wednesday
night, 24 hours after a popular musician in Edo State, Ambassador Osayomore
Joseph, was abducted by gunmen.
This two incidents, including the abduction of Mr.
Andy Ehanire, younger brother to Minister of State Works, Dr. Osagie Ehanire;
the killing of three policemen during the abduction as well the kidnap of a
Catholic priest, have heightened fears among residents in the state in the past
two weeks.
According to a source, late Otasowie was killed after
the gunmen failed to kidnap him at his residence located along Siluko Road,
Benin City.
However, another source said Otasowie was shot dead
by the armed men in front of his residence while coming down from his house.
Until his death, the deceased was a former director
of University of Benin Industrial Training and Student Industrial Work Experience
Scheme.
Spokesman for the university, Mr. Michael Osasuyi,
who confirmed the killing, said the institution was yet to get full details of
the killing.
He said: "We lost him (Otasowie) yesterday (on
Wednesday). We are trying to gather the right information now (because) we are
getting different versions.
“The first version said it was an
assassination, while the second version said it was armed robbery attack, and
that he was inside a car and they shot him.”
“For now, the university cannot
ascertain what transpired. But we are sending a delegation now to his house to
meet with his 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.
“The vice-chancellor, Prof. Orunmwense
is saddened by this development. We just wish that this insecurity in Edo State
is looked into. Just recently, (Joseph) Osayomore was kidnapped.
Meanwhile, Edo Police Spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe,
has said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of
Prof. Otasowie.
DSP Nkombe stated the police received a distressed
call from neighbours in the area, and when policemen got the scene, they found
the professor already dead.
Nkombe said nothing was taken from him.
On the abduction of Managing Director of Ogba Zoo and
Nature Park, Dr. Andy Ehanire and Osayomore, DSP Nkombe assured that the police
would soon rescue them, adding that all efforts were being put into securing
their release.
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