A shocking incident unfolded on Tuesday in the Auchi area of Edo State when gunmen kill fresh graduate Jafaru, who was shot dead in cold blood at his barbing shop. The victim had just participated in the sign-out ceremony of Auchi Polytechnic, where he officially graduated, marking a hopeful beginning to his professional life.
According to eyewitness reports obtained by PUNCH Metro, Jafaru, who was also a professional barber, had returned from the ceremony and resumed work at his barbing shop when the tragic attack occurred. What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into a nightmare for the young graduate and his family.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Jafaru was attending to a waiting customer when two armed men arrived at the shop on a motorcycle. The graduate, unaware of their intentions, assumed they were there for a haircut. However, as soon as they entered the shop, one of the gunmen pulled out a firearm and shot Jafaru at point-blank range.
“He was like a brother to everyone here,” said a witness. “He had just returned from the ceremony and came straight to work. When the two men came in, he thought it was just business as usual, but then one of them suddenly shot him.”
Jafaru collapsed instantly and died on the spot. The customer he was attending to was also struck by stray bullets but survived the attack. The assailants fled immediately after the shooting, leaving chaos in their wake.
Aftermath of Gunmen Kill Fresh Graduate Attack
A video shared with PUNCH Metro showed the heartbreaking scene inside the shop: Jafaru lying lifeless on the floor, still wearing his brown barber’s apron. Attempts to provide emergency medical attention failed, as he was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
While police investigations are ongoing, sources suggest the killing might be connected to cult-related violence, a common cause of targeted attacks in Edo State. However, those close to Jafaru insist he was not involved in any cult activities and described him as an easy-going person.
This tragic Gunmen shooting occurs amid increased efforts by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to curb cult-related violence in the region. In response to a series of deadly clashes in Benin and other parts of the state, Governor Okpebholo inaugurated an anti-cultism committee and ordered security agencies to intensify crackdowns on criminal groups.
Despite these measures, incidents like the gunmen kill fresh graduate attack show that challenges remain in fully securing the state and protecting its residents, especially young people like Jafaru trying to rebuild their lives after education.
As of now, the Edo State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the recent shooting. Efforts to contact the police spokesman, Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The area has witnessed similar violent incidents in the past. For example, in March, the police arrested Iyayi Omokaro for fatally hacking his brother Friday during a family dispute at Uzalla Community, Uhunmwonde, Benin. Police spokesperson Yamu confirmed this incident, underscoring the ongoing security and domestic violence issues facing the state.
The killing of Jafaru is not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity that plagues parts of Edo State. Fresh graduates and young professionals often find themselves vulnerable in an environment where violent crime and cultism can disrupt lives and ambitions.
Gunmen- as the government and security agencies continue their fight against violent groups, the community’s call for more effective protection measures grows louder. The need for comprehensive youth engagement programs, stronger policing, and community vigilance is more urgent than ever.
The gunmen kill fresh graduate incident in Auchi is a devastating blow to a promising young life and a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by many in Edo State. As investigations proceed, the public hopes for swift justice for Jafaru and increased efforts to ensure such tragic events do not recur.
Community leaders, families, and government officials alike are urged to unite in pushing for stronger security measures and social interventions that will protect the youth and foster peace in Edo State and beyond.
Source- Punchng
