Medical and health workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) have mourned their colleague, Dr Alex Ogunniyi, who was killed by suspected gunmen within the hospital premises last Friday.

The workers, protesting the tragic killing, urged authorities to implement urgent security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. They paid their last respects during a commendation service held at the hospital.

Speaking at the service, the Public Relations Officer of UBTH, Joshua Uwaila, described the incident as unfortunate. Uwaila confirmed that Ogunniyi was a physiotherapist at the hospital before his sudden death, expressing deep sadness over the loss.

He disclosed that the hospital’s management had written to the Edo State Police Command and copied the Department of State Services (DSS), requesting a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Providing details of the incident, Uwaila stated that Ogunniyi was killed while heading to an eatery behind the hospital to have lunch.

“A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday while on the way to have his lunch. It was gathered that a vehicle was chasing another. The one behind was shooting at the one in front, and a stray bullet hit the deceased in the neck. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency department but didn’t make it.

“We have written to the Edo Police Command and copied the DSS, calling for investigation and the need to bring the killers to justice,” Uwaila said.

Following the commendation service, Ogunniyi’s remains were taken by family members, friends, and colleagues to his hometown for burial.