Suspected Cultists Kill Popular Edo Broadcaster On Christmas Eve

Suspected Cultists Kill Popular Edo Broadcaster On Christmas Eve

Hillary Nosa Odia, a broadcast journalist affiliated with Independent Television and Radio, was fatally shot by suspected cultists on Christmas Eve near 2nd East Circular in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.

According to a colleague of the deceased who spoke with PUNCH Metro, Odia left the office around 4 pm on Sunday, and news of his death shocked those working at ITV when it surfaced later that night.

The killing is believed to be linked to cult clashes in the Esigie area, off East Circular Road.

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The colleague mentioned that the late Odia’s brother had also been killed in a similar manner the previous year, and on the day of Odia’s death, three additional people were shot.

Describing the late broadcaster as cheerful, diligent, and easy to work with, the colleague urged the police to investigate Odia’s death thoroughly and apprehend the suspects involved.

The source said, “The late Odia closed from work at 4pm 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.

“I also heard that he was trying to quit his own house at Upper Mission Extension and rent an apartment along Airport Road, while he also wrote an exam on Saturday morning at Edo State Polytechnic in Usen, where he was taking a course,” the source added.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has expressed condolences to the management and staff of ITV following the tragic death of Hillary Nosa Odia.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the NUJ in Edo State, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, the union urged security agencies in the state, particularly the Nigeria Police, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Odia’s murder.

The statement conveyed prayers for the repose of Odia’s soul and encouraged his family to find solace in the positive legacy he leaves behind. The NUJ also called on journalists to diligently investigate Odia’s death and ensure comprehensive reporting of the incident.

While confirming the killing, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Police Command, Chidiebube Nwabuzor, acknowledged the sketchy nature of available information. He pledged to provide detailed information about the incident on Tuesday and clarified that he was not aware of any reported threats to the deceased’s life, citing the high volume of cases handled by the police daily.

He added: “I can confirm that the killing took place. Information is sketchy now but details would be revealed tomorrow after preliminary investigation.”

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