- Safiu Kehinde
The Edo State Police Command has commenced probe over the murder of a University of Benin (UNIBEN) student identified as Alexander Omogiate by unknown gunmen.
NPO Reported that Omogiate was gruesomely shot dead in his car in front of the UNIBEN’s main campus gate on Sunday.
The incident, as confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Edo Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, occurred around 5pm.
According Ikoedem, the assailants intercepted Omogiate as he was driving out of the campus with his Mercedes-Benz GLK.
The gunmen opened fire at the student and two other occupants of the car before leaving.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that three occupants of a Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle namely; Onwuke Blessed ‘M’, Alexander Omogiate ‘M’, and Chinenye Christian Mbagwu ‘M’ were driving out of the University of Benin when an unidentified white GLK vehicle suddenly intercepted them at the University of Benin main campus gate, Ugbowo, lowered their glass and opened fire on the victims and escaped to unknown destination.
“As a result of the attack, all occupants sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries including a female passerby identified as Dorathy Ubah.” The statement partly read.
Ikoedem further disclosed swift mobilisation of police operatives to the scene and the victims were immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for urgent medical attention.
While a disturbing video of incident had shown Omogiate sitting motionless behind the wheel with his face blown up, he was reportedly confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty at UBTH.
Other injured victims are however responding to treatment.
According to Ikoedem, the Edo Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, had since ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident with a view to tracking down the fleeing perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
While reiterating the command’s commitment to rid the state of all forms of crime and criminality, the police spokesperson assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for the gruesome murder of the student to justice.
“The Command sternly warns all criminal elements and hoodlums operating within the State especially the university campuses, to desist from acts of violence and criminality, as the Edo State Police Command remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to rid the State of all forms of crime and criminality.
“The Command assures the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
“The Command also appeals to members of the public with useful or credible information that can assist ongoing investigations to promptly report to the nearest Police Station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.
“All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality.” The statement read further.