The university don was reportedly shot dead at the entrance to his house as he attempted to enter the house located Siluko Road, Benin City.
It was not clear if the gunmen set out to kill the professor of Engineering or they set out to assassinate him but eyewitnesses described the incident was a failed kidnap attempt.
News of the killing of the erudite professor threw the entire academic community of the University of Benin into mourning.
Spokesman of the Edo State police command DSP Moses Nkombe, confirmed the killing to our correspondent, adding that three persons have been arrested. He said, “It was at about 8:46 pm.
The police received distress call about the sporadic shooting from someone in the neighbourhood.
“The police rushed in there and discovered that the lecturer had been shot [killed]. Nothing was removed from the car and there was no bullet in the body of the car.
“We are doing our best to ensure that the killers are arrested and also know the motive behind it.”
The spokesman for the University of Benin also, Michael Osasuyi, also confirmed the killing, describing the late Prof Otasowie as a hardworking and dedicated staff.
He described the death of the professor as a huge loss to the university community, adding that the deceased was a hardworking and dedicated staff.
He said the institution was concerned about the level of insecurity in Edo State.
Osasuyi said, “For now, the university cannot be ascertained 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. The vice-chancellor, Prof Orunmwense, is saddened with this development.
“We just wish that this insecurity in Edo State is looked into. The level of insecurity now is becoming something else.”
The killing has further heightened security situation in Edo State following the kidnap on September 24 of the Managing Director of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Mr Andy Ehanire, and that of legendary Edo musician, Ambassador Joseph Osayomore on Wednesday.
