Gunmen kill three in Edo

Suspected gunmen have once again killed three individuals, including a member of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), in Ekiadolor Community in the Ovia North-East local government area of Edo State, Nigeria.

The bloodshed occurred around the market square between 6 o’clock and 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, prompting protests from mini-bus drivers who appealed to security agencies to enhance security in the area.

Reliable sources informed the Nigerian Tribune that the sole survivor of the attack, identified as Bright Oviawe, a driver, has been hospitalised after sustaining two gunshot wounds.

It was reported that the deceased vigilante member, identified as Jude Aikhionbare, aged 43, was returning from his night duty when his assailants opened fire on him around the market square in Ekiadolor Community.

The other two victims were identified as Felix Ighodaro and Aza Mani, mini-bus drivers in the locality.

The younger brother of the sole survivor, Mr. Uhunoma Oviawe, stated that the attackers operated in a blue Toyota Camry.

“My brother told me that the former CDA chairman of Ekowe Community, Endurance Edohen, called my brother Bright to come and settle the issue of the land he sold to him at Ekowe Community. I went with my brother this morning.

“As we were waiting, I left my brother to eat in a nearby restaurant when suddenly a Toyota Camry arrived. Endurance came out of the car and shot my brother in the hand and leg,” Uhonoma Oviawe said.

He further identified the victims of the attack as indigenous residents of the Ekiadolor Community.

One of the alleged gunmen, Mr Endurance Edohen, could not be reached for comment at press time. Efforts will be made to obtain his response.

Today’s attack occurred barely one month after unidentified gunmen invaded and killed six individuals, including three vigilante members, in Okhunmwun Community on October 21.

Both communities are located less than 25 kilometres apart on the Benin-Lagos Motorway in the same local government area.

Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, reported that around 7:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of the Ekiadolor Police Division received a distress call about gunmen operating in a Toyota Camry invading the community.

He said that the DPO quickly mobilized his men to the area, and the body of one Jude Aikhionbare, killed by the rampaging gunmen, was discovered and evacuated to the mortuary.

The link between the killings reported in the two communities has not been established conclusively.

Meanwhile, residents of Ekiadolor have appealed to the Edo State government and relevant security agencies to intervene before the situation escalates, as Ekiadolor Community is home to a higher institution.

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