Commissioner Okpebholo vows to deliver justice for murdered University of Benin student

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vehemently denounced the brutal murder of a young person at the University of Benin's main gate by armed assailants in broad daylight on Sunday, as stated in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.

n

This heinous act, occurring on a day widely regarded as sacred, constitutes a blatant affront to human dignity, poses a significant threat to public safety, and undermines the core values of the governor's administration, rendering it utterly unacceptable.

n

Governor Okpebholo has extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, whose life was callously and senselessly cut short, as conveyed through the statement.

n

The Edo State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the incident, with security agencies working tirelessly to identify and apprehend all those responsible, as they will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.

n

Governor Okpebholo has assured the public and the victim's family that the case will not be dismissed or overlooked, and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

n

The governor has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism in all its forms throughout Edo State, having taken deliberate and sustained measures to confront the issue head-on since assuming office.

n

These efforts encompass sustained security operations in cult-prone communities, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of numerous suspected cultists, as well as close collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army to disrupt cult networks.

n

Additionally, the government has engaged in community initiatives, involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations, to combat cult violence, while also providing support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable young persons.

n

According to the governor, these initiatives are already yielding positive results, although the recent murder serves as a stark reminder that the battle against cultism is far from over, necessitating continued intensification of efforts.

n

The governor has emphasized that Edo State will not provide a haven for criminals, and those who terrorise innocent individuals will face the full consequences of the law.

n

He has urged members of the public with relevant information regarding the killing to contact the Edo State Police Command or any other security agency immediately, assuring that all provided information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

n

The Edo State Government remains committed to securing every community and part of the state, ensuring that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to senseless cult violence, as stated by the governor.

n

Alexander Omogiate was shot dead by masked gunmen in his JLK Mercedes Benz while driving out of the University of Benin's main gate at Ugbowo on Sunday night, as reported.

n

Eyewitnesses claim that the student was shot at close range by the masked gunmen, who subsequently fled the scene, and that the victim had finished his exams in the Political Science department about an hour prior to the incident.

n

Two other victims in the JLK Mercedes Benz survived the attack and were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, according to reports.

n

A student recounted the incident, stating that the victim was shot at close range and could not have survived, while two others in the vehicle were also injured and taken to the school's healthcare centre.

n

Operatives from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters were at the scene, evacuating the remains of the victim, and the command confirmed that the attack occurred at approximately 17:00hrs, with an investigation already underway.

n

The command's spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, stated that three other occupants in the car sustained various degrees of injuries, while a passerby was also hit by a bullet, as confirmed in the statement.