…And policeman kills colleague to free suspect
BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Christmas eve witnessed unforgettable bloodbaths as unknown gunmen took to the streets brazenly killing several targeted persons including an ace broadcaster Mr. Hillary Nosa-Odia a.k.a Chameleon.
Also, a police inspector, Jonathan Okouromi allegedly shot to death his colleague, one Sergeant Abosele Akhere, both of Edo State police Command, for daring to apprehend a wanted suspect during police raid of the suspect’s hideout in Benin City on Christmas eve.
A dependable source told Alltimepost.com correspondent that the policeman after raining bullets on his colleague escaped with police gun.
These killings started barely three weeks after the Commissioner of police in Edo State CP Mohammed Dankwara vowed to make the state a hotbed for criminals and their allies terrorizing residents of the state.
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the gunmen who dared security agencies in the state capital, either trailed or invaded locations of their targets to unleash violence on them.
The broadcaster, Mr. Hillary Nosa-Odia of the Independent Radio/Television stations, Benin, was shot to death where he was unwinding with his friends at Esigie Street, Benin City, about 7:37pm, Sunday, December 24, 2023.
It was gathered that the gunmen had walked straight to him in the gathering, opened fire on him point blank forcing his friends to scamper to different directions. Sources said the criminal suspect escaped thereafter.
Sources hinted that when his friends returned to the scene few minutes after the blast, the presenter was met writhing in pool of his own blood as he was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital he was rushed.
Investigation revealed that Mr. Hillary Nosa-Odia was invited to the scene to be a guest at a lady birthday bash which took place in front of her mini supermarket along Esigie Street, Benin City.
The scene, 52, Esigie Street, between 2nd and 3rd East Circular Road, Benin City, over a kilometre away from Esigie police divisional headquarters, Benin, was under lock and keys when our correspondent visited.
Investigation further revealed that the scene is not a beer parlour as being speculated in some quarters.
It was also scooped that the deceased did not engage in any form of quarrel with anyone at the scene of murder or outside it to deserve such gruesome murder.
He is said to be jovial and a jolly-good-fellow who was a crew member of Good Morning Nigeria on ITV and Rush Hour on Independent radio, Benin City.
It was further learnt that no member of Odia family has been similarly murdered as reported by a national daily.
The unfortunate killing of Mr. Hillary Nosa Odia replicated that of Joshua Edeghagba, security reporter for Radio Nigeria, Benin in 2012 and Lawrence Okojie of NTA, Benin in 2017.
Joshua Edeghagba was shot to death by gunmen who waylaid him few meters away from his residence, off Mission Road, Benin City.
Lawrence Okojie was similarly gunned down by armed men who accosted him close to his house at Oguola Street, Benin City while returning from work.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council has charged security agencies in the state to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Hillary Nosa Odia.
The Union in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Mr. Andy Egbon also commiserated with the management and staff of Independent Television and Radio over the death of Hillary Nosa Odia.
Also, the management of Independent Radio and Television today announced his death.
A statement signed by the Managing Director of the broadcast station, Engr. Elvis Obaseki urged the Police, DSS and other security agencies in the state to carry out a thorough investigation into the brutal killing, with a view to arresting those behind the crime.
According to the statement, the broadcast station will continue to support the security agencies in their investigation.
However, the Edo State police command today stated that it is aware of the killings and secret cult fighting in Benin metropolis including that of Mr. Hillary Nosa Odia, a staff of Independent Television and Radio, Benin City.
The command also said that its personnel lost his life during operation at Ugbowo axis on December 24, 2023.
Public Relations Officer for Edo State police Command SP Chidi Nwabuzor stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, today.
“The Command is sincerely and vigorously fighting this crime and wishes to put it to an end for the state to be peaceful for all. Its efforts in fighting against secret cult members or to stop the killings are shown in the loss of one of its personnel during operation in the Ugbowo axis on the 24th of December, 2023.
“Nevertheless, a sizeable number of arrests of the secret cult members of various cult groups have been made in different locations in the state and will soon be charged to court for prosecution.
“In view of the above, CP Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, FBDFM, FCIMN, the Commissioner Of Police Edo State, appeals to the good people of Edo State remain calm and go about with their Christmas celebration”, SP Nwabuzor said.
