The immediate past Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Suleiman Afegbua, was, yesterday, killed by gunmen along the Benin-Auchi Road, while five others sustained injuries.
An eyewitness said five persons were abducted by the robbers, who attacked their victims with sophisticated weapons.
The attack occurred at the Ogbemudia Farms axis of the road at about 10a.m. and eyewitnesses said that the attackers were dressed like herdsmen.
The gunmen, while shooting sporadically, took over the road as they ordered vehicles plying the road to stop. The motorists and passengers were ordered to lie on the ground.
It was gathered that the former Chairman was shot dead while attempting to escape into the bush.
His cousin and former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua, described the incident as tragic, saying “it is sad that the police checkpoint was very close to where the incident happened, yet nothing was done.
“The robbers were shooting for over 10 minutes, holding people hostage. In the process, they shot my cousin and police was nowhere to be found. He is dead now and it is sad for the family.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Moses Nkombe, described the action of the gunmen as barbaric and vowed that they will be apprehended.
According to him, “as we speak, a tactical team of detectives has been sent to the area by the Commissioner of Police. They are right now combing the bushes for possible arrest of those involved in the act.
“We are aware that the former chairman was killed, while two other persons with him sustained injuries.
“The victims were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Very soon, we will get the gunmen.”
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