A five-man armed robbery gang has shot dead a senior lecturer of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Dr. Godwin Omofonwa.
Dr. Omofonwa was killed on Tuesday at Evbuomore quarters, Ugbowo in Egor local government.
This is just as the Edo State Police Command has recalled all policemen attached to VIPs in the state for verification.
However, operatives of the Nigeria Police from Ugbowo Division engaged the robbers in a gun duel killing one of them.
Items recovered from the robbers included two cut to size guns, single barrel gun, one iron cutter, one live and twelve expended cartridges, phones and other dangerous items.
Parading the corpse of the slain robber, State Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo, said the gang has been terrorising residents of Ugbowo and its environs in the past two months.
According to him, “The command recieved a distress call about the activities of armed robbers at Evbuomore quarters, Ugbowo this morning. 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. Sadly, one Dr Godwin Omofunwa, a lecturer in the Department of Education, UNIBEN died as a result of gunshot wounds he recieved from the robbers.
“The deceased three phones and another nokia phone robbed from one Precious were recovered from the dead robber”, he stated.
Kokumo stated the recall of personnel attached to VIPs for verification was because of over alleged misuse of the policemen.
He said the policemen deployed as escorts or guards are to report to the police headquarters with letters of authority for verification.
Spokesman for UNIBEN, Mr. Osasuyi Michael, described the deceased as a dedicated lecturer and was on his way to the office when the tragic incident occurred.
