Gunmen kill ex-BSU HOD, brother in midnight attack in Makurdi

By Johnson Arua

Makurdi was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the gruesome killing of a renowned historian and former Head of the Department of History at Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, Professor Gabriel Nyityo, and his younger brother, John Nyityo, by suspected gunmen.

The victims were reportedly shot dead in the early hours of Wednesday when about five armed men invaded the professor's residence at Adaka, on the outskirts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Sources said the assailants broke into the house through a window before making their way straight to Professor Nyityo's bedroom, where they opened fire on him and his brother in the presence of family members. Both victims were said to have died on the spot before help could arrive.

A source close to the family said it was still unclear whether the attackers were armed robbers or hired assassins, as they reportedly went directly for the victims without any immediate indication of robbery.

"His home was invaded by armed men, and one cannot say whether they were robbers or assassins. They broke into the house through the front window and went straight to his bedroom where they shot him and his brother," the source said.

Residents also attributed the ease with which the attackers carried out the operation to the isolated location of the professor's residence, which reportedly enabled the gunmen to escape without resistance.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said officers on patrol responded to a distress call but met the victims dead at the scene.

According to the police spokesperson, "Our patrol team received a distress call along the Adaka axis, and on getting there they found two dead bodies killed by unknown gunmen. The victims were identified as Professor Gabriel Nyityo, aged 58, and his younger brother, John Nyityo, aged 19. Investigation is ongoing."

The killing has sparked widespread grief within the academic community and beyond. Professor Nyityo was celebrated for his immense contributions to the study and teaching of history, having served as Head of the Department of History at Benue State University.

Colleagues, former students and associates described him as an accomplished scholar, mentor and administrator whose death is a significant loss to Benue State and Nigeria's academic community.