Three Suspects in Police Net over Murder of UNIBEN Professor
Adibe Emenyonu 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.”