5th October, 2017
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The academic community of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), was Wednesday night thrown into shock and mourning, as a senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Prof. Paul Otasowie, was reportedly shot dead by unknown armed men.
It is however not clear whether the lecturer who was allegedly shot dead in front of his residence, along Ekehuan Road in Oredo Local Government Area of the State, was assassinated or killed by suspected armed robbers.
UNIBEN’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, confirmed the incident to journalists in Benin on Thursday.
He said the death of the Professor was a huge loss to the University community, describing him as a hard-working and dedicated staff.
Osasuyi said: “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, the second version said that it was armed robbery, that he was inside a car and they shot him.
“For now, the University cannot ascertained what has transpired. But we are sending delegates 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.”
Edo Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Moses Nkombe, could not be reached for comments as at the time of filing this report, neither did he respond to a text message sent to his telephone line.