Benin City suspected assassins this weekend, invaded the residence of the Odionwere (Community Head) of Power-Line Community in Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State; Pa John Asemota. He was shot dead while three of his tenants received gunshot injuries.

The 66-year-old community head was shot on his head and back when the gunmen numbering over seven stormed his residence at 9:30p.m on Saturday. 

The deceased son, Mr Osemudiamen Asemota, who narrated the tragic incident to newsmen, said that three of his father’s tenants who were also shot by the gunmen are being treated at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). 

Dismissing insinuations that it may have been robbery operation, Asemota, who stated that he informed the police immediately the incident happened, said his father might have been assassinated over community issues. 

He said: “The police actually responded quickly. It was the police that took my father’s body to the mortuary while they also rushed those shot to hospital for medical attention. 

“But one thing that is clear is that it was not a robbery incident, they were sent to kill him. I am appealing to the police to investigate the matter with all seriousness.”
Contacted, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Folunso Adebanjo, confirmed the incident, saying: “My men in Ugbowo rushed to the scene immediately when we were informed. Crack team of detectives are investigating the matter. That is all I can tell you now.”