Suspected Cultists Kill Edo Broadcaster on Christmas Eve
A tragic incident unfolded on Christmas Eve in Benin City, Edo State, as Hillary Nosa Odia, a broadcast journalist with Independent Television and Radio (ITV), was shot dead by suspected cultists near 2nd East Circular.
According to a colleague who spoke with PUNCH Metro, Odia left the office around 4 pm on Sunday, and news of his death surprised ITV staff later that night. The colleague revealed that the killing was a result of cult clashes around Esigie area, off East Circular Road. Shockingly, the late broadcaster’s brother had met a similar fate the previous year, and three others were shot on the same day as Odia.
Describing Odia as jovial, hardworking, and easy to work with, the colleague called on the police to unravel the circumstances of his death and apprehend the suspects.
“The late Odia closed from work at 4 pm on December 24. Unfortunately, we heard of his death around Esigie hours later, and it was a very big shock to the staff of the ITV. His brother was also killed in a similar fashion last year, and I heard that the December 24 killing was due to cult clashes. He was a jovial person, easy to work with, hardworking. I hope the police will apprehend his killers soon,” the source stated.
Additionally, it was revealed that Odia was in the process of relocating and had written an exam at Edo State Polytechnic in Usen on Saturday morning.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, expressed condolences to ITV and urged security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, to investigate Odia’s murder. The union called on journalists to dig into the incident and ensure thorough reporting.
The PPRO of the Edo State Police Command, Chidiebube Nwabuzor, confirmed the killing but mentioned that information was currently sketchy. He promised to provide details after preliminary investigation on Tuesday, and when asked about threats to Odia’s life, he indicated that, at present, he couldn’t confirm as the command dealt with numerous cases daily.
This unfortunate incident has left the journalism community mourning the loss of a colleague and seeking justice for the untimely death of Hillary Nosa Odia.
Credit Punchnews