The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a vulcaniser, identified as Boyo, who was shot dead along Warrake Road in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Moses Yamu said the incident was reported on Friday and that the perpetrators, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, are currently being hunted.
“We received the report yesterday. The suspects had already escaped by the time officers arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital,” Yamu stated. “The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a full-scale manhunt and assured that those responsible will not go unpunished.”
Eyewitnesses said two armed men arrived on a motorcycle and parked near Boyo’s roadside workshop. One of them approached the unsuspecting vulcaniser—who was reportedly resting—and shot him twice at close range before fleeing.
“It happened so fast. The gunman didn’t say a word—just walked up, shot, and ran off. The whole place went into panic,” a nearby trader recounted.
Local residents have been left shaken by the broad-daylight killing. A community leader described Boyo as a diligent and peaceful man, expressing deep shock over the incident.
“This is terrifying. Taking a life so brazenly in the middle of the day is unacceptable. We call on security agencies to act swiftly,” he said.
