Businessman Killed By Gunmen Hours Before His Child’s Dedication Ceremony In Edo

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Residents of Ekpoma in Edo State have been thrown into mourning after a popular businessman, Justice Oshioke, was killed just hours before his child’s dedication ceremony.

Oshioke, the Chief Executive Officer of a fast-food outlet, Principle Takeout, was reportedly shot dead on Saturday night by suspected kidnappers.

He was said to have been attacked around the Idumebo area of Ekpoma while returning home. An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, 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,” the source said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

The incident happened a day before the planned dedication of his newborn child, leaving family and residents in shock and mourning.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, describing it as a tragic killing.

“The Edo State Police Command is deeply saddened by the tragic murder of Justice Abu Oshioke. He was fatally shot by unidentified armed men on 2nd May 2026 at about 9:55 p.m. at Idumebo, Ekpoma,” she said.

She added that he was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.