Benue Police have arrested a 23-year-old suspect in connection with the killing of Benue State University lecturer Prof. Gabriel Nyityo and his younger brother in Makurdi.
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| Police officers investigate the killing of Benue State University Professor Gabriel Nyityo in Makurdi. |
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE – July 9, 2026
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Usman, in connection with the killing of Benue State University (BSU) lecturer, Prof. Gabriel Saawua Nyityo, and his younger brother, Iorngee John Nyityo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday in Makurdi.
According to the police, officers attached to 'D' Division responded to a distress call from the Adaka axis of Makurdi, where they discovered the bodies of the two victims.
DSP Edet said the victims were identified as Prof. Gabriel Saawua Nyityo, 58, and his younger brother, Iorngee John Nyityo, 19, who were allegedly killed by unknown gunmen.
She added that Abdullahi Usman, a resident of Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, has been arrested in connection with the crime.
The suspect, one Abdullahi Usman, 23 years, of Awe, Nasarawa State, has been arrested in connection with the crime and investigation is still going on to get the remaining suspects, the statement said.
The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
Prof. Nyityo and his younger brother were reportedly killed at their residence in Adaka Community, Makurdi Local Government Area, during the early hours of Wednesday.
The murder has sparked renewed concerns over insecurity in Benue State and prompted calls for a thorough investigation.
Although academic activities at Benue State University remain disrupted due to the ongoing strike by lecturers, news of Prof. Nyityo's death has sent shockwaves across the university and the wider Makurdi community.
The late academic was a respected lecturer in the Department of History and was widely known for his contributions to teaching and research.
Prime Brief Media had earlier reported the killing of the professor and will continue to monitor the investigation as police pursue other suspects.
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