Ex-gov. Ortom Condemns murder of Benue Professor, brother, demands justice

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the gruesome murder of  a renowned academic and Professor of History at the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, formally Benue State University Makurdi, 

The Nations News reports that Professor Gabriel Nyityo and younger brother John Nyityo at Adaka community in Makurdi, the State capital.

Chief Ortom who described the incident as a tragic and unacceptable assault on humanity, maintained that the situation was a stark reminder of the growing insecurity confronting the people of Benue State and other parts of the country.

The former Governor 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.

The former governor in a statement by his media assistant, Zege Paul Terhide lamented that, it is deeply disturbing that criminals can invade the home of a distinguished scholar and take his life in such a brutal manner.

 He noted that the killing comes 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.

“The killing of Professor Nyityo comes 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.

 “This  back-to-back loss of two distinguished scholars and public intellectuals was a devastating blow to Benue State and a painful reflection of the worsening security situation.

“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.

” 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”, Ortom said.

According to him, the murder of Professor Nyityo, coming shortly after the killing of former Secretary to the Benue State Government, Professor David Salifu, and numerous other innocent citizens, underscores the urgent need for decisive and coordinated action to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.

He called on  security agencies to treat both incidents with the seriousness they deserve and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

The former Governor extends 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.