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A family in Gboko, Benue State, is reeling from profound grief after suspected armed robbers fatally shot a Point of Sale (POS) operator in his shop during a violent robbery.
The victim, identified as Raphael Luther Akpetetomun, was killed on Sunday evening, March 8, 2026, while attending to customers at his business premises. According to residents and eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the location, opened fire on the operator, and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash taken from the POS operations.
The sudden attack triggered widespread panic among traders and nearby residents, with many people fleeing the scene in fear as gunshots rang out during the brief but deadly incident.
In the aftermath, the victim’s sister took to social media to pour out her anguish and heartbreak over the loss. In an emotional post, she wrote: “My heart has been ripped off my chest ooooo!!! Lord, you let them tear me into shreds! They took my baby away forever ooo.”
Her words captured the deep sorrow and sense of irreparable loss felt by the family, drawing sympathy and outrage from members of the community who shared and commented on the post.
The killing has once again highlighted the growing threat of armed robbery targeting small business operators, particularly those handling cash-based POS services in semi-urban and rural areas of Benue State. Such incidents have raised concerns about the safety of informal financial service providers who often operate with limited security measures.
Local authorities have yet to release an official statement or confirm arrests in connection with the incident. Residents in Gboko have called for enhanced security presence and decisive action to curb the wave of violent crimes affecting daily livelihoods in the area.
The tragic death of Raphael Luther Akpetetomun has left behind a grieving family and a community demanding justice and greater protection for vulnerable entrepreneurs.
