Police uncover shallow grave and exhume corpse of missing Benue university student

The Benue State University community was thrown into mourning when it was confirmed that a 300-level student, Erekaa Dooshima Naomi, had been found dead after being reported missing for three days. The young woman, who was pregnant at the time of her death, was discovered buried in a shallow grave in a fenced land opposite the school.

According to reports, Naomi left her house in Akpehe to complete an assignment at a friend’s place in Saba, after which she became unreachable. Her concerned mother and friends tried to contact her but all efforts proved abortive. Her phone, identity card, and other personal belongings were later found around Rahama Clinic, where her clothes were reportedly soaked in blood.

The discovery of Naomi’s body was confirmed by the spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP. Catherine Anene, who stated that the body had been recovered and deposited for autopsy. The incident has since been condemned by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC) Benue State axis, under the leadership of Comr. Igbudu Victor.

In a statement signed by Comr. Henry Monday Agbo, the Media Director of NANS-JCC, Benue State, the association expressed its shock and grief over the gruesome murder of Dooshima. The statement noted that the incident was particularly alarming as it came just two weeks after Jinaba, another student of the same institution, was also murdered in cold blood by Fulani herdsmen.

The NANS-JCC, Benue State axis called for an immediate investigative action by security agencies and the Benue State government to uncover the masterminds of this barbaric and inhuman act. The association warned that any lackadaisical attitude regarding the matter would be met with strict resistance by all students in Benue State.

In view of the upcoming national election, NANS also demanded adequate security cover for all students to prevent any further occurrence. The association charged its members to activate all measures of personal security, including avoiding late-night movements and unruly places, always updating a trusted person about their whereabouts, and other safety measures.

To pursue justice for the murder of Erekaa Naomi Dooshima and ensure the security of all Benue students, the Benue State Council Chairman, Comr. Victor Igbudu, set up a five-student investigative and security committee (SISC). The committee is tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the death of the student, submitting a comprehensive security report of the matter to NANS-JCC, Benue State axis, coming up with security measures to ensure the well-being of students both on and off-campus, and carrying out any other duties required by the leadership of NANS-JCC, Benue State axis.

The committee is chaired by Dondove Felix, with Tyokosu Pricillia as secretary and Joseph Ikyobo, Gundu Joy, and Idoko Monday as members.