…as bus drivers appeal for better security
Gunmen have again killed three persons including a member of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) at Ekiadolor Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident occurred around Market Square between 6 o’clock and 7:45a.m Tuesday.
The incident triggered protest by mini bus drivers who appealed to security agencies to intervene effectively in the matter.
Dependable sources revealed that the only survivor of the attack, one Bright Oviawe, a commercial driver, has been hospitalised after being shot twice.
It was gathered that the deceased vigilante member identified as Jude Aikhionbare, 43, was returning from night duty when gunmen opened fire on him around Market Square at Ekiadolor Community.
The other two victims were identified as Felix Ighodaro and Aza Mani. Mini was a bus drivers in the area.
Mr. Uhunoma Oviawe, younger brother of the only survivor, said the attackers operated in a blue Toyota Camry salon car.
“My brother told me that the former CDA chairman of Ekowe Community,Endurance Edohen, called my brother Bright, purportedly for a meeting to resolve a pending land dispute. I went with my brother this morning (yesterday). I left my brother briefly, to eat in a nearby restaurant. Suddenly a Toyota Camry car came, 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 indegienes of Ekiadolor Community.
One of the alleged gunmen Mr. Endurance Edohen could not be reached at press time.
The attack came barely one month after unidentified gunmen killed six persons including three vigilante members at Okhunmwun Community on October 21.
Both communities are less than 25 kilometres apart on the Benin-Lagos Expressway in the same local government area.
Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said about 7.00 am yesterday, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekiadolor Police Division received a distress call that gunmen operating in a Toyota Camry salon car invaded the community.
Nwabuzor said the DPO swiftly mobilised his men to the area where the corpse of one Jude Aikhionbare, killed by the rampaging gunmen was seen and evacuated to mortuary.
The killings so far reported in the two communities are yet to be linked authoritatively.
Meanwhile, residents of Ekiadolor have appealed to Edo State Government and relevant security agencies to intervene.
