Killing Of Medical Doctor In Benin: Colleagues Protest At UBTH

Okhide Em’ya David

Activities at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) were temporarily disrupted on Tuesday morning as members of the Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) protested the killing of their member, identified as Dr. Otote Osaikhuomwan, aged 36.

He was of the Department of Ophthalmology.

Osaikhuomwan was reportedly killed at his Residence in Ugbor area of Benin City in the presence of his pregnant wife in the early hours of Monday.

The Assassins were said to have gone straight to his apartment and shot him in the chest before going away with some items.

President of the ARD, Dr. Elamah Ikpemimoghena who broke down in tears said insecurity has been a major challenge worsening brain drain syndrome in Nigeria.

His words: “This is a very unfortunate incident, it came to us as a rude shock and it boils down to the general insecurity in the state and in the country at large.”

The ARD Spokesman asked that urgent steps be taken by the Authorities to make his colleagues reconsider their stance in working in Nigeria.

On his part, the spokesperson of ARD, UBTH Branch, Dr. Era Eugene urged security agencies not to ignore the possibility of assassination in their investigation.

He said of particular concern about the incident is that Medical Personnel are being targeted for violent attacks across the Nation.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Bello Kontongs (SP) confirmed the killing and said the Division where the incident happened has commenced preliminary investigation and would transfer their findings to them at the   Command.