Suspected armed robbers have killed a 38-year-old Point-of-Sale operator, Raphael Eletanye, during an attack in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident happened on Friday night, January 3, around 9:50 p.m., along Murtala Muhammed Way, close to Upper Uwa Junction, where the victim was running his PoS business.
An eyewitness said the attackers arrived at the location in an unregistered white mini-bus and launched the attack before fleeing the area.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the victim was rushed to the hospital but later died from injuries sustained during the robbery.
She said, “On 3rd January, 2026, at about 9:50pm, 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.
“The unknown armed men operated in an unregistered white mini-bus. The Divisional Police Officer, Esigie Division, was immediately mobilised to the scene. The victim was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead.”
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that Eletanye was shot in the thigh during the attack, after which the assailants made away with an unspecified amount of cash.
Ikoedem added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, had ordered a full investigation into the killing.
She said, “The Commissioner of Police has directed that the perpetrators be identified and arrested. Efforts are ongoing to track them down.”
The police spokesperson called on residents with useful information to assist the investigation by contacting the command through its emergency numbers.
She said members of the public could reach the police via 08077773721 and 08037646272.
Ikoedem also stated that the command had stepped up efforts to tackle armed robbery and other crimes in Edo State, with support from other security agencies.
She added that the Edo State Government had provided vehicles and security equipment to strengthen policing and ensure the safety of residents.
