A 38-year-old Point-of-Sale operator, Raphael Eletanye, was killed during a violent armed robbery in Benin City on the night of January 3, 2026.
The incident occurred around 9:50 pm along Murtala Muhammed Way, near Upper Uwa Junction, where Eletanye ran his business.
An eyewitness said the attackers arrived in an unregistered white minibus and stormed the victim’s shop before fleeing with an unspecified sum of money.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said, “On 3rd January, 2026, at about 9:50 pm, the Command received a distress call from Upper Uwa Junction along MM Way reporting that an armed robbery incident involving a PoS operator, one Raphael Eletanye, aged 38, had occurred.”
“The unknown armed men operated in an unregistered white minibus. The Divisional Police Officer, Esigie Division, was immediately mobilised to the scene. The victim was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately was confirmed dead.”
Ikoedem added, “A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was shot on the thigh before the assailants carted away an unspecified amount of cash.”
She further noted that Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, while efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The public was urged to provide any useful information via the Command’s 24-hour emergency lines: 08077773721 and 08037646272.
“The command has intensified measures to curb armed robbery and other crimes in the state,” Ikoedem said, adding that Edo State Government had provided vehicles and security equipment to support the police in protecting law-abiding citizens.
The police appeal comes amid rising concerns over nighttime robberies in Edo, highlighting the need for strengthened security in business districts.
