A wave of grief and anger has swept through Ekpoma following the tragic killing of Mr. Justin Otene, a popular fast food restaurant owner, who was shot dead by suspected kidnappers at his residence.
The incident occurred in Idumebo quarters, Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. According to reports, Mr. Otene had returned home briefly to pick up freshly prepared food to restock his restaurant after running out of supplies.
What should have been a routine stop turned fatal.
Sources say armed men, believed to be kidnappers, stormed his residence and attempted to abduct him. In a desperate moment of resistance, Mr. Otene reportedly refused to go with them. The attackers responded with gunfire, killing him on the spot.
The shocking nature of the incident has left residents of Ekpoma in fear and outrage. Many sympathisers gathered at his home, mourning the loss of a man described as hardworking and well-known in the community.
Tensions quickly rose, with talks of a possible protest spreading across social media. In response, security operatives—including the police and members of the Edo State Security Corps—were deployed across key areas to maintain calm and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Confirming the development, security officials stated that the state government has taken immediate action. According to authorities, Monday Okpebholo has ordered a full-scale manhunt to track down those responsible for the killing.
“As we speak, there is an order from the governor that all security apparatus in the state should go after the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice,” a security official said.
This tragic event adds to growing concerns about insecurity and attempted kidnappings in the region, raising urgent questions about safety and the protection of lives.
For many in Ekpoma, this is not just another headline—it is a painful reminder that even the safety of one’s home can no longer be taken for granted.