Gunmen Shoot Dead UNIBEN Professor

The University of Benin community has been thrown into mourning after a senior lecturer of the institution, Prof. Paul Otasowie was killed by unknown gunmen.

THE WHISTLER learnt that Otasowie, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, was shot dead on Wednesday night at his residence located on Ekehuan road, in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

There are however indications that the University lecturer was not assassinated but gunned down by suspected armed robbers.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, who confirmed the incident, said the motive behind the professor’s shooting is yet to be ascertained.

He described the death of the professor as a huge loss to the university community, noting that the high level of insecurity in the state has become a concern.

“We lost him (Otasowie) yesterday. We are trying to gather the right information now (because) we are getting different versions,” Osasuyi said.

“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.

“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.

“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,” the spokesman added.