Residents and commuters in Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, were thrown into panic on Monday afternoon after unidentified gunmen shot and killed a middle-aged man in a brazen daylight attack.
The incident occurred at the busy Abiodun Motors Park area of Jattu Junction, one of the town’s major commercial and transportation hubs, where witnesses said the assailants opened fire on the victim before fleeing the scene.
The victim was reportedly killed on the spot, leaving traders, motorists and passersby in shock as the sound of gunfire sent people scrambling for safety.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased and the motive behind the attack had not been established. Security agencies were yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The latest killing has heightened concerns among residents over the security situation in Auchi and surrounding communities, which have in recent months witnessed cases of kidnapping, armed attacks and other violent crimes.
Many residents have continued to call for stronger security measures and increased patrols by law enforcement agencies to curb criminal activities and restore public confidence.
Efforts to obtain further details on the circumstances surrounding the killing were ongoing at the time of this report.
Correspondent Anthony Igbano of Independent Television (ITV), Benin City, reports that investigations are expected to determine the identity of the victim and those responsible for the attack.
