Crime
One in Custody as Probe Begins Into Benue Double Murder
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo of Rev.
The victims were reportedly murdered in the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, 2026, when unidentified gunmen attacked their residence.
Sources close to the family told our correspondent that the attackers allegedly gained access to the house after cutting through the burglary proof on a bedroom window before shooting the professor and his 19-year-old brother.
A colleague of the deceased academic, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as shocking and tragic. He said a large number of sympathisers had gathered at the family residence when he visited after the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said a combined team of Delta Patrol operatives and Operation Python personnel responded to a distress call from the Adaka area and discovered the bodies of the two victims.
According to her, “A combined team of Delta Patrol and Operation Python received a distress call along the Adaka axis and, on arrival at the scene, found two dead bodies reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen.
“The deceased were identified as Prof. Gabriel Saawua Nyityo, 58, and his younger brother, Iorngee John Nyityo, 19.”
DSP Edet disclosed that one suspect, identified as Abdullahi Usman, 23, from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, has been arrested in connection with the crime.
She added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the killings and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The murder of the respected academic has sparked grief among colleagues, students and residents of Makurdi, who have called on security agencies to ensure that everyone responsible for the killings is brought to justice.
Continue Reading