Professor Paul Otasowie, a senior staff of the University of Benin, Edo State has been assassinated by unknown gunmen.
It was reported that Otasowie was gunned down by armed men in front of his residence on Ekehuan road in Oredo Local Government Area on Wednesday evening.
Multiple reports suggest that the Professor was assassinated by hired gunmen, while some reports say that he was killed during an attempted kidnap.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
Osasuyi stated, “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 (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 concluded.