25th December, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
A cinematographer and presenter at Independent Television (ITV), Benin, Mr. Hilary Odia was shot dead by gunmen suspected to be cultists on Christmas Eve at his residence on Esigie street in Benin metropolis, Edo state on Christmas Eve.
The gunmen were also said to have ambushed and killed a vigilante commander in the area, simply identified as Osasu.
The vigilante was reportedly killed at Iyobosa Street in the locality.
It was gathered that two other persons were also shot dead at Nekpennekpen and Uwa Streets.
The victims were believed to be caught in a reprisal fight between members of Eiye and Black axe confraternity groups.
It was observed that residents of the affected area, namely, Second and Third East Circular Roads were jittery over the killings, as they marked a low-key Christmas.
The development, it was learnt, came one week after gunmen reportedly stormed a resident at Okiso quarters near Third East Circular and killed the mother of their “target”.
It was gathered that the gunmen became enraged after they could not find the “target”.
But a source within the police said only two persons were killed; while one who sustained injuries is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
The source added that the fight was a reprisal attack by rival cults over last week’s killing.
Reacting, the spokesperson for Edo State police command, SP Chidi Nwanbuzor confirmed the incident but said he is yet to get the full details of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has charged security agencies in the state, especially the Nigeria Police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of Hillary Odia.
The NUJ gave the charge in a statement on Monday by Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
The statement further charged Nigerian journalists to investigate the incident of Ordia’s death and ensure adequate reportage of the killing.