Jethro Ibileke/Benin

A barbing saloon operator whose identity still remains unknown, was Wednesday morning murdered by gunmen suspected to be cultists.

The incident occurred at Idumwunowina, a community located along Benin-Lagos highway in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state.

It was gathered that the deceased who recently got a loan for his saloon business, was just opening for the day’s business at about 8 am, when three gunmen stormed his shop and opened fire on him. 

A source in the community who did not want his name in print, said the gunmen who came on a motorcycle, escaped through the Oluku end of the Benin-Lagos road unchallenged.

Residents were said to have scampered when they heard gun shots fired by the assassins. 

Our correspondent gathered that security operatives from the Ugbowo and Ekiadolor police  divisions were immediately drafted to the scene. 

In a related incident, a 23-year-old National Diploma accounting student of Auchi Polytechnic,  Emmanuel Aronokhale, has been reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen. 

The deceased who hailed from Okpilla in Estako East local government area of the State, was reportedly killed at about 8 pm Tuesday at his residence located at Second Bawak, Sabo, Auchi.

The deceased was said to be relaxing in front of his hostel with other students when he was shot at close range and he died at the spot.

It was also gathered that the gunmen ordered the other students into their various rooms where they robbed them of their money and mobile phones.

It was learnt that the remains of the student has been deposited in a mortuary of an undisclosed hospital in the Auchi.

When contacted on phone over the incidents, Edo Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to be briefed on the killing of the barbing saloon operator in the state.