Motor park worker shot dead in Edo

By Usman A. Bello, Benin City

A motor park worker identified simply as Jogodo was shot dead on Monday by suspected cultists in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victim, who was alleged to be a member of a cult group, was killed at Jattu Junction in Auchi when gunmen opened fire on him.

Sources said the attackers arrived at the scene in a black Lexus RX 350 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), shot the victim at close range and reportedly waited to ensure he was dead before fleeing.

The incident caused panic in the area as passengers, traders and passersby scampered for safety. Although the motive for the killing could not be immediately established, sources linked the attack to an alleged rivalry over the control of a motor park in the area.

The latest killing occurred less than 72 hours after another man identified simply as Happy was reportedly shot dead around the Ugbihoko area along Ekehuan Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said three suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.

“We have three suspects in custody. The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation,” he said.

The police spokesman added that the motor park had been temporarily sealed off following the incident.

According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the violence was connected to a dispute over the control of the park.

He said the closure was necessary to prevent further bloodshed, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.

“We believe more than three persons were involved in the crime, and investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said.

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