A young man identified as Jafaru, who had just completed his studies at Auchi Polytechnic, was shot dead on Tuesday by unidentified gunmen in the Auchi area of Edo State.
Community sources said the incident happened shortly after his graduation sign-out celebration. On returning from the event, Jafaru, who also worked as a barber, opened his shop to attend to customers.
While he was cutting a client’s hair, two men reportedly rode up on a motorcycle and entered the shop. Believing they were customers, Jafaru welcomed them. One of the men allegedly drew a gun and shot him at close range, killing him instantly.
The customer he was serving was hit by stray bullets before the attackers fled. A video circulating online shows Jafaru lying lifeless on the shop floor, still wearing his work apron.
Witnesses said he was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. Residents described Jafaru as a peaceful person who was not involved in cult activities, though some suspect the attack may be cult-related.
The killing comes despite efforts by Governor Monday Okpebholo to curb cultism and violent crime in Edo State. The governor recently inaugurated an anti-cultism committee and ordered tighter security measures after several deadly clashes across the state.
Efforts to reach Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Yamu, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
