By Stephen Simon
Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a lecturer at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), Professor Gabriel Saawuan Nyityo, and his younger brother, John.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Timothy Terseer Alabar, disclosed this in Makurdi while briefing journalists on his first six months in office.
Nyityo, a professor of History and former lecturer at Benue State University (BSU), was killed alongside his brother by suspected gunmen at his residence in Makurdi on July 7, 2026.
According to Alabar, information obtained from security agencies indicated that the five suspects are from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The latest development comes after the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Usman, also from Awe, in connection with the killings.
The police had said on July 9 that Usman was undergoing interrogation as investigators intensified efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Speaking on the death of Nyityo, the vice chancellor described it as a devastating loss to the university community, particularly the Department of History.
He said the deceased was one of the founding members of the department and played a significant role in advancing research and curriculum development in History and Diplomatic Studies.
Alabar said the university was closely monitoring the investigation and would continue collaborating with security agencies to ensure that all those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
He also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting measures aimed at improving security within the university and neighbouring communities, while working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
