Some suspected robbers on Wednesday killed a lecturer at the University of Benin, Dr. Godwin Omofonwa, when they attacked his home at the Ugbowo area of Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokuko who confirmed the incident during a press conference at his office said the police was able to gun down one of the robbers while others escaped.
“Policemen from Ugbowo and surrounding divisions were deployed to the scene to engage the robbers. In the ensuing gun battle, one of the marauders was shot dead, while others escaped with varying degrees of gun wounds. Sadly one Dr. Godwin Omofonwa, a lecturer at the University of Benin died as a result of gunshot wounds he received from the robbers”.
The Edo State Police boss also said his men recovered several items including guns, live and expended cartridges from the hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the state police command also nabbed a bullet merchant identified as Osagie Igiemwin arrested at the popular Igun Street in Benin City the state capital.
The suspect who confirmed to Channels Television that he has been in the trade for some period said he orders items from another dealer in Onitsha, Anambra state.
“I am a businessman and not a criminal. I bought the goods from Onitsha because of a burial ceremony,” he said.
Addressing journalists, the Police boss assured residents that the command will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue to avail the police useful and timely information in order to enhance the efficiency of the security agencies.