A tragic armed robbery incident in Benin City, Edo State, has left a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator dead, sparking renewed concerns over the safety of small business owners in the region.
The victim, identified as a young man operating a POS kiosk near the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Ugbowo Road, was reportedly shot dead by a group of armed robbers in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses say the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, approached the kiosk under the guise of customers before launching their deadly attack.
According to local sources, the robbers demanded cash from the operator and, without hesitation, shot him when he resisted. The assailants then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, leaving the victim in a pool of blood. Passersby and nearby residents rushed to the scene, but the operator was pronounced dead before help could arrive.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents expressing outrage over the increasing spate of violent crimes targeting POS operators and small-scale entrepreneurs. “This is not the first time something like this is happening here,” a local trader lamented. “We are living in fear every day.”
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that investigations are underway. Police spokesperson Chidi Nwabuzor stated that efforts are being made to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
This latest attack adds to a growing list of violent crimes in the state, particularly those targeting POS operators, who have become easy targets due to the cash-based nature of their businesses. Security experts have called for increased surveillance and the deployment of more security personnel in high-risk areas to curb the menace.
Community leaders and civil society groups are also urging the government to implement more robust security measures and provide support for small business owners, many of whom now operate in fear.
As the investigation continues, the family of the slain operator is left to mourn a life cut short by senseless violence, while the community grapples with the harsh reality of insecurity in their midst.
