From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Suspected gunmen invaded the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and killed a doctor simply identified as Dr. Alex in the physiotherapy department inside the tertiary health facility.

It was learnt that the gunmen stormed the hospital on Friday, leaving the said physiotherapist dead while patients and other health workers scampered for safety.

The development led to some health workers protesting the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.

 

The health workers were seen in a viral video protesting and brandishing various placards to register their displeasure over the incident at the hospital.

 

Reacting, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, in a telephone interview with newsmen, confirmed the killing. 

He said the deceased allegedly fell by a stray bullet.

Uwaila said that the authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.

“A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday. “he said. 

Meanwhile, at least two members of the vigilantes group, whose identity could not be ascertained were on Tuesday crushed to death by an articulated truck on the busy Ugbowo-Lagos road by the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis. 

The cause of the accident could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

However, eyewitnesses said the accident occurred about 12 noon on Tuesday when the two vigilantes who were riding on a motorbike were hit by a truck, and their heads crushed beyond recognition. 

An eyewitness who craved anonymous said the two vigilantes died on the spot and disclosed that their remains have been taken to an undisclosed mortuary.

“The two bodies have been deposited in the mortuary. The accident occurred right in front of the UNIBEN maingate just a few minutes past 12 noon.

“The two men were vigilantes riding on motorbike on the Ugbowo-Lagos highway when the accident occurred.” he said.

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From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Tuesday, ordered a crackdown on cult-related violence and killing in the state.

About five people were reportedly killed between Friday and Sunday in the state capital over renewed clashes between rival cult groups.

In a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, Okpebholo noted that there will be no sacred cow in the crackdown.

The statement read, “The Edo State Government is deeply concerned about the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state.

“It is important to recall that following earlier disturbances last year, Governor Okpebholo, among several proactive steps taken, convened personally and through his agents, a series of critical meetings with the known leaders of groups suspected to be involved in these criminal activities.

“At those meetings, firm agreements were reached; they were to rein in their members and take full responsibility for their conduct. The Governor made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youth and the destabilisation of our communities.”

The statement noted that it is regrettable that recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.

The statement added, “Governor Okpebholo has directed security agencies to move in decisively. Those who have tested the will of the state will face the full weight of the Edo State Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Law. There will be no sacred cows.

“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order. We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities. The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.

“The Okpebholo administration is determined to build a safe, stable, and prosperous Edo State — and no amount of intimidation or criminal defiance will stand in the way of that goal.”

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo State government has vowed to bring to justice the killers of a Benin-based realtor and business man, Mr Joel Umwueni Isibor.

The 42 years old estate developer and owner of a boutique was sent to his untimely grave by unknown gunmen who broke into his store on Friday evening, penultimate week, and shot him at a close range.

The state deputy governor, Hon.

Dennis Idahosa, made the vow on Sunday on behalf of the state government when he visited the residence of the family of the deceased to commiserate with the bereaved family over the untimely death of their patriarch.

Idahosa, who said he received the news of the killing with a huge shock, condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the Benin-based realtor.

He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

Idahosa said Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was deeply touched and saddened over the gruesome murder of a vibrant young and energetic man.

He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

He warned criminal elements to relocate from Edo State as the government would not compromise its stand on dealing decisively with criminals and their collaborators, using the instrumentality of the law, to serve as deterrent to others.

Idahosa added the state government would synergise with security agencies to launch high scale investigation into the matter, with a view to apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice.

He assured the bereaved family of the state government’s unwavering commitment to identify with them.

Responding, Mrs Joel Isibor, wife of the deceased business man, appreciated the state government for its prompt response to commiserate with the family, and described her husband’s death as a heinous crime against humanity.

She said the assailant laid ambush for her husband, while trying to lock the shop after the day’s business and opened fire on him, without any provocation, adding that nothing was removed from the store which painted a true picture of a well orchestrated assassination.

Mrs. Isibor said she was completely devastated, as the husband was the bread winner of the family and appealed to the state government to carry out thorough investigation to unravel the mystery surrounding the gruesome murder of her husband.

The deputy governor who was in a sober mood could not controlled his emotions as he broke down in tears.

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