Confusion In Benin After Police Killed And Hurriedly Buried Student

Students of the University of Benin on Wednesday disrupted vehicular movements along major roads in Benin City, the Edo state capital while protesting the alleged killing of Ibrahim Momodu a final year student of their institution by men of the Ogida police station.

The students dressed in black marched round the streets of Benin City chanting and calling for the arrest and persecution of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogida station, Carol Afebgai over the alleged murder of Mr Momodu.

The police allegedly murdered Mr Momodu on 27 May and buried him the next day even before the family could determine his where about.

An elder sister of the deceased Rebecca Egbe, while calling for justice gave an account of how the life of his brother was cut short by the bullet allegedly fired by the DPO of Ogida police station and buried without the knowledge of family.

Undeterred and determined to get justice the students took protests to the Edo state Government House where the Police Commissioner promised to address them on the facts that led to the death of Mr Momodu.

However by 5pm the same day the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Eguavoen told newsmen that the late Momodu was an armed robber, adding that a gun, bullets, two mobile phones and a bag was found with the deceased.

But this is his word as against that of a dead boy who cannot tell his own side of the story.

Mr Momodu's mother, not satisfied with that explanation and angered by the fact that her son was hurriedly buried sought justice at the hands of the Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

Governor Oshiomhole promised however to set up an enquiry into the incident and commended the students for their mature behaviour while the protest lasted.