Tragedy struck on Christmas eve in Edo State when a staff of the Independent Television and Radio, Hillary Nosa Odia, was shot dead by suspected cultists around 2nd East Circular in Benin City.

The late Odia was said to have left the office at about 4 pm on Sunday while the news of his death reportedly filtered into the ITV premises later in the night to the surprise of those who worked with him that day.

A colleague of his said the killing was as a result of cult clashes around Esigie area, off East Circular Road, adding that three others were also shot on the day Odia was killed.

He added that the deceased’s brother was also killed in similar fashion last year.

He described the late broadcaster as jovial, hardworking and easy to work with while calling on the police to unravel his death and apprehend the suspects.

“The late Odia closed from worked at 4 pm on December 24. Unfortunately, we heard of his death around Esigie hours later and it was a very big shock to staff of ITV.

“His brother was also killed in a similar fashion last year and I heard that the December 24 killing was due to cult clashes. He was a jovial person, easy to work with, hardworking. I hope the police will apprehend his killers soon.

“I also heard that he was trying to quit his own house at Upper Mission Extension and rent an apartment along Airport, while he also wrote an exam on Saturday morning at Edo State Polytechnic in Usen, where he is taking a course,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, has commiserated with the management and staff of ITV over the death of Odia.

A statement signed by the Chairman of Union, Comrade Festus Alenkhe and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, charged security agencies in the state, especially the Nigeria Police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of Hillary Odia.

The statement prayed for the repose of the soul of the fallen colleague and urged his family to take solace in the fact that Hillary will be remembered on the positive side of history.

Besides, the statement charged Nigeria journalists to investigate the incident of Hillary’s death and as well ensure adequate reportage of the killing.

Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, PPRO of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said information was sketchy at this time and promised to give details of the incident on tomorrow.

“I can confirm that the killing took place. Information is sketchy now but details would be revealed tomorrow after preliminary investigation,” Nwabuzor stated.(Daily Sun)