In a shocking incident on Christmas Eve, Hillary Nosa Odia, a broadcast journalist with Independent Television and Radio, was fatally shot by suspected cultists near 2nd East Circular in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Quest Times reports that colleagues at the ITV were taken aback when news of Odia’s death emerged later that night, revealing that he had left the office around 4 pm on Sunday.
One of the colleagues mentioned that the killing resulted from cult clashes in the Esigie area, off East Circular Road.
Disturbingly, the source revealed that Odia’s brother had met a similar fate last year, and on the same day, three others were also shot.
Describing the late broadcaster as a friendly and diligent individual, the colleague appealed to the police to swiftly investigate and apprehend the suspects responsible for Odia’s untimely demise.
“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,” the source said.
It was also revealed that Odia had plans to relocate and had recently taken an exam at Edo State Polytechnic in Usen.
The shocking incident has left the ITV community mourning the loss of a valued colleague.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, expressed condolences to the management and staff of ITV over Odia’s death.
The union called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of NUJ in Edo State, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, the union prayed for the repose of Odia’s soul and urged his family to find solace in the positive legacy he leaves behind.
The statement also called on journalists to delve into the details of his death and ensure comprehensive coverage of the unfortunate incident.
The Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chidiebube Nwabuzor, confirmed the killing, assuring that more details would be provided after preliminary investigations on Tuesday.