Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed Justice Abu Oshioke, the 30-year-old Chief Executive Officer of Principle Take Out Eatery and Restaurant, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
He was fatally shot by unidentified armed men on May 2, 2026, at about 9:55 p.m. Sources said the victim was attacked at the Idumebo area of Ekpoma while returning home.
According to a man who identified himself as a friend of the deceased, the victim was on his way to deliver an order when he was ambushed and forcefully dragged towards a bush path by the attackers.
According to Daily Post Nigeria, an eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the assailants attempted to abduct him, but he resisted. “The attackers tried to drag him into the bush, but he resisted, and he was shot. People rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” the source said.
The incident occurred a day before the dedication of his newborn child, adding a particularly painful dimension to the tragedy that has left residents in shock, with many expressing concern over insecurity in the area.
Tension escalated shortly after the incident, as flyers calling for protests circulated on social media. In response, security agencies deployed personnel to key locations across Ekpoma to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying the command is “deeply saddened by the tragic murder of Justice Abu Oshioke.” He added that investigations have commenced to apprehend those responsible.
