The Edo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of a student of the University of Benin who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near the institution’s main gate in Ugbowo, Benin City.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the victims were reportedly driving out of the university campus in a Mercedes-Benz GLK.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command said the attack happened “at about 1700hrs around the University of Benin axis, Benin City.”
LEADERSHIP earlier reported that Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, condemned the killing and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims — identified as Onwuke Blessed, Alexander Omogiate, and Chinenye Christian Mbagwu — were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz GLK when another white GLK intercepted them near the university gate.
The statement said, “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 an unknown destination.”
Police further disclosed that a female passerby identified as Dorathy Ubah was also injured during the attack.
“As a result of the attack, all occupants sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries, including a female passerby identified as Dorathy Ubah,” the statement added.
The Command said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and the victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment.
“Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, and the victims were immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for urgent medical attention.
“Sadly, Alexander Omogiate was confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty, while other injured victims are responding to treatment,” the police stated.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a comprehensive investigation aimed at tracking down the attackers.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident with a view to tracking down the fleeing perpetrators and bringing them to justice,” the statement noted.
The police also warned criminal elements operating within the state, especially around university campuses, to desist from violent activities.
“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 statement added.
The Command appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist ongoing investigations, assuring that all information provided would be treated confidentially.
