Gunmen have killed a fresh graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, identified simply as Jafaru, inside his barbershop in Auchi, Edo State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, shortly after the young man had taken part in his school’s sign-out ceremony.
Jafaru, who combined his studies with work as a professional barber, reportedly returned from the event and resumed business at his shop when the assailants struck.
According to eyewitnesses, two men rode into the area on a motorcycle and entered the shop, posing as customers.
One of them then pulled a gun and shot Jafaru at close range. He died instantly.
A customer who was receiving a haircut at the time was also hit by stray bullets during the attack.
The gunmen fled immediately after the shooting.
Footage shared online showed Jafaru lying lifeless on the shop floor, still wearing his brown barber’s apron.
Witnesses said attempts were made to rush him to a hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.
Residents described the victim as easy-going and not linked to cult groups, though sources suggested the killing may have been connected to cult violence.
The attack comes despite recent measures by Governor Monday Okpebholo to curb cult-related clashes across Edo State.
The governor recently inaugurated an anti-cultism committee and directed security agencies to intensify crackdowns on criminal gangs.
As of press time, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, had not responded to calls or text messages regarding the incident.