The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, was yesterday thrown into mourning, following the shocking murder of one it members, Comrade Chuks Ogu, by suspected armed robbers in Benin City, Edo State.
Ogu, 39, was until his death, a cameraman with Independent Television, a privately-owned broadcast station. He was reportedly shot dead on Saturday night after covering a marriage ceremony.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the late journalist was at the home of the newly wedded couple along Siluko Road with his reporter when armed men suddenly stormed into the apartment and opened fire, hitting Chucks on the chest and killing him instantly.
It was not however clear if he was the actual target of the attack or if any valuable was removed from the couple.
The chairman of the NUJ, Edo State chapter, Comrade Friday Obanor who confirmed the incident said his death was a big blow to the union. “Late Ogu will be missed by all. He was one member who showed much interest in the affairs of the NUJ. We pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant his soul eternal rest and his family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”
A staff of the organisation who crave anonymity said, “It is true my brother. He was shot dead at the home of the new couple at Siluko Road after covering their wedding ceremony. He was there with his colleague to arrange when to air the programme when robbers suddenly appeared and shot him. We deposited the remains of Chucks at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH mortuary last night.”
Obanor described the late Ogu, as a man of quiet and humble disposition who would be missed by all for his diligence and hard work.”
As of the time of filling this report, no official statement had yet been issued by authorities of Independent Television.
Earlier, a journalist, Akogwu Nneche, a reporter with Channels Television who began his career with Independent Television in Benin years back had also been killed in a Boko Haram attack in Kano a few months ago.
The Edo State Police image maker, Etim Bassy, could however not be reached for comments as his phone rang repeatedly but without response.