Prof. Paul Otasowie of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State has been killed by gunmen.
Otasowie was fatally shot in front of his residence on Ekehuan Road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday evening.
It was not immediately known if he was a victim of a robbery, assassination or kidnapping.
The death of Otasowie, who was a former director of the UNIBEN’s Industrial Training and Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme, has left the university community in a state of mourning.
Public relations officer of the institution, Michael Osasuyi, told The PUNCH on Thursday: “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.”
Mr Osasuyi described the death as a huge loss to the university community, adding that the deceased was a hardworking and dedicated staff.
“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,” Osasuyi said.
He, however, noted that the institution was concerned about the level of insecurity in the state.
“The vice-chancellor, Prof. (Faraday) Orunmwense is saddened with this development. We just wish that this insecurity in Edo State is looked into. Just recently, Osayomore (Joseph) 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 added
