Suspected assassins kill don in Benue

January 10, 2017

John Charles, Makurdi

Unknown gunmen suspected to be hired assassins numbering about six have killed a lecturer with the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Prof. Gabriel Okayi, in the earlier hours of Monday.

Okayi, a Professor of Aquatic Pollution, was murdered at about 3:30am on Monday in his residence in the Northbank area of Makurdi, capital of Benue State.

Head of the Public Relations unit of the University, Mrs. Rosemary Waku, who confirmed the incident to our reporter, said the gunmen stormed the home of the lecturer, which is located outside the institution and shot him.

Describing the incident as a case of assassination, Waku said, “Some hoodlums entered the late lecturer’s premises and his dog started barking at them. When he came out to find out why it was barking, the gunmen shot him. He died on the spot.’’

She said that the management of the university had already reported the matter to the police authority for immediate action.

Waku called on law enforcement agencies, especially the police, to carry out an investigation to unravel those behind the killing of the lecturer.  She also advised members of the staff of the university to step up security around their homes and be vigilant.

When contacted, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bashir Makama, confirmed the incident.