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From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
The immediate past governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the gruesome killing of renowned academic and Professor of History at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), Professor Gabriel Nyityo, describing the incident as a tragic and unacceptable assault on humanity.
Ortom, in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Paul Terhide, said the killing of the respected scholar at his residence in Adaka, Makurdi by gunmen is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity confronting the people of Benue State and other parts of the country.
He described the late Professor Nyityo as an accomplished academic, intellectual and patriot who dedicated his life to teaching, research, mentorship and the advancement of knowledge. According to him, the deceased made invaluable contributions to the academic community and helped shape generations of students through his scholarship and commitment to excellence.
He stated that it is deeply disturbing that criminals can invade the home of a distinguished scholar and take his life in such a brutal manner, adding that the killing came at a time when innocent people are increasingly becoming victims of violent attacks, kidnappings and other forms of criminality, creating fear and uncertainty across communities.
Chief Ortom also expressed grave concern that Nyityo’s killing came barely days after the death of former Secretary to the Benue State Government, Professor David Salifu, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained in an attack by suspected terrorists along the Wukari-Makurdi road.
He describes the back-to-back loss of two distinguished scholars and public intellectuals as a devastating blow to Benue State and a painful reflection of the worsening security situation.
According to the former Governor, the tragic deaths of Professors Nyityo and Salifu have once again exposed the vulnerability of innocent citizens, including academics and other professionals, to violent attacks. He states that when eminent personalities who have devoted their lives to education, public service and nation-building can no longer feel safe either in their homes or while travelling on public roads, it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current efforts to safeguard lives and property.
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Chief Ortom therefore urged security agencies to treat both incidents with the seriousness they deserve and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the management, staff and students of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, the academic community in Benue State and beyond, friends and associates of the deceased, and all those affected by the painful loss.
In the same vein, the President General Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), Worldwide, Air Commodore Agbecha Titus (rtd), has also condemned the gruesome murder of Professor Gabriel Nyityo, describing the incident as shocking and unacceptable.
Agbecha, in a statement said “Dear Benue sons and daughters, on behalf of Tiv Nation worldwide, I wish to condemn the gruesome murder of our brother, Professor Gabriel Nyityo.
“Until his death, he was a Professor of History, Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. He was brutally murdered with his brother in the early hours of Wednesday in his residence, Adaka, near Makurdi.
“Indeed, I have personally paid a condolence visit to the deceased family in Makurdi, and pray to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest. I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the University community and the entire Tiv Nation. I urge them to find solace in Almighty God as well as pray for the departed souls to rest in peace.
“As President General Mdzough U Tiv, and Chairman of the three socio-cultural organizations in Benue State, I assure you of our commitment to get to the root cause of the problem.”
The MUT President General urged security agencies, take decisive steps to unravel the circumstances that led to the deaths of the professor and his brother saying “This is time for action, not just words. We appeal for appropriate steps to interrogate the suspect in police custody.”
He urged all Benue State indigenes to remain calm and law abiding pending the investigation of the police.
