Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The academic community in Makurdi has been thrown into deep mourning following the brutal murder of Professor Gabriel Nyityo, a senior lecturer in the Department of History at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), who was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The professor was attacked while asleep at his residence in the Adaka area, behind the Makurdi Industrial Layout, according to security sources who confirmed the incident.
The assailants, whose identities and motives remain unknown, invaded the professor's home at approximately 3 a.m., fatally shooting him before fleeing the scene. The killing has sent shockwaves through the university community and the wider Makurdi metropolis, with colleagues and residents describing the late professor as a peaceful and respected scholar who was well-liked by students and staff alike.
A lecturer at the university, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed grief over the incident. "We heard about the news today. It is sad and unfortunate. Prof. Nyityo is a peace loving person. I heard that the incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Wednesday at his residence at Adaka. May his soul rest in peace. Amen," the colleague said.
Following the attack, sympathisers were seen trooping to the deceased's residence to commiserate with his family, while his remains have since been deposited in a mortuary. However, efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, neither answered calls nor responded to enquiries on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
The reported killing has sparked grief and concern among members of the university community and residents of Makurdi, with many calling for a thorough investigation and improved security. Details surrounding the incident, including the motive behind the attack and whether any arrests have been made, remain unknown.
Professor Nyityo was a distinguished scholar and mentor who had served the institution for many years, inspiring countless students with his dedication to academic excellence and service. His death is a significant loss to the academic community and the nation at large, as he was widely respected for his contributions to the field of history.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues, the university community and the people of Benue State are left to grapple with the loss of a respected academic. The killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in the region, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
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