Edo: Security Agents Probe Killing Of UBTH Medical Doctor

By Ayodele Oni

In line with the directive given by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Security Agencies in Edo state have commenced probe into the shooting of a medical doctor at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Benin by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

This followed a petition by the UBTH Management to the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Security Service, (DSS) over the recent brutal attack on the institution by gunmen, resulting in the death of a Medical Doctor, Dr Alex Oguniyi and the injuring of two other health workers.

Chief Medical Director, UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki who disclosed this in an interview on a private Radio station, in Benin, noted that the Department of State Security Service was also petitioned, which prompted the security agencies to begin probe.

The petition by the Association of Residents Doctors, (ARD), UBTH Chapter, was in response to a peaceful protest at the hospital premises over the attack by gunmen suspected to be cultists last week in Benin.

Obaseki who expressed regret over the incident, said, “We have gone to report the case to the Commissioner of police and Department of State Security Service, DSS. And on last week, Wednesday, they came to UBTH.

“We are not taking the matter lightly. Our philosophy is that people who work in hospital should be safe while saving lives. Hospital in any part of the world is a sacred ground.

“That is the premise of the letter we wrote to police and DSS regarding the incident. This attack is a sacrilege.

“What happened on the road that connect UBTH back gate and UNIBEN via Osasogie area, according to two of our doctors. One of the doctors was in his car, while another car overtook and block another car in front.

“Suddenly, somebody brought out a pump action gun and began to shoot the car. While the shooting was ongoing, the bullet hit his car, which managed to move forward a bit. But the bullet hit Physiotherapist who went to eat during break period, was hit by a stray bullet.”

The renewed cult war reportedly began two weeks ago, with the killing of the physiotherapist named Alex and another person near the back gate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Ugbowo, Benin.

Report revealed that two rival cult groups, Aye and Maphite Confraternities, reignited their battle for dominance, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people in Benin.

This resurgence of violence occurs just three months after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, signed the Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into law, which imposes a 21-year prison sentence on cult members and their sponsors.