“He was full of dreams and visions: a businessman whose life was tragically cut short. Rest in peace, brother,” reads a tribute online. “Ekpoma has lost an entrepreneur to a kidnapping attempt that, unfortunately, led to his death.”
The city of Ekpoma woke up to a new wave of grief and fear. What was meant to be yet another kidnapping for ransom turned into a cold-blooded murder as the victim was returning home to the Idumebo district. The victim, Justin Oigbokie—known widely as “Jusewayne” or “Justin Wayne”—was the CEO of ‘Principle Takeout,’ a renowned local content creator, hypeman, event promoter, and a cornerstone for the local youth. According to reconstructions, a commando of armed men intercepted the entrepreneur late Saturday evening, May 2nd. The abduction attempt failed but escalated tragically into the victim’s killing, under circumstances still being scrutinized by authorities. Despite being rushed to the hospital, his injuries proved fatal. Jusewayne’s death, which leaves behind a wife and young children, has devastated the community; he was regarded as a beacon of entrepreneurial success in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. His murder, coupled with violence against two other individuals in recent hours, has reignited public outrage. Located in Edo State, southern Nigeria, Ekpoma serves as a crucial hub on the corridor linking the state capital, Benin City, to the north towards Abuja. This strategic location, combined with the presence of the prestigious Ambrose Alli University (AAU), makes it a vital yet extremely vulnerable center. While Edo State is not the epicenter of the jihadist terrorism afflicting the North-East, it is considered a high-risk zone for violent crime. The region is plagued by so-called “banditry”: organized criminal groups that utilize the surrounding dense forests to hide victims and stage ambushes along major highways.
The University is increasingly under fire, and the pervasive insecurity is paralyzing academic life. AAU students have become “prime targets” for kidnappers; many now avoid evening lectures or leaving the campus altogether, living in a constant state of high alert. Behind every abduction lies the trauma of families forced to negotiate directly with “bandits.” Relatives are often left to fend for themselves, compelled to sell every asset—homes, land, and livestock—to meet astronomical ransom demands. Currently, two young people kidnapped between February and March remain in captivity with no word on their condition. This silence is eroding their loved ones, suspended between hope and the darkest despair. The management of public order in Ekpoma has become a flashpoint for political and social conflict. On one hand, youth and families demand drastic intervention; on the other, “counter-protests” have been organized by local groups who insist the city is “safe,” fearing economic collapse and territorial stigma.
However, the death of an entrepreneur like Mr. Jusewayne makes the “normalcy” narrative difficult to sustain. The population is now questioning whether there is a genuine political will to dismantle the criminal networks operating in the area. Community grief is rapidly curdling into a sense of betrayal, especially with Local Government Elections approaching. Accusations are mounting that the government is deploying security forces not to protect citizens, but to shield politicians engaged in rallies and party activities, leaving civilians at the mercy of armed gangs, increasingly besieged by violent incursions from ‘bandits’ who, beyond kidnapping for extortion, are now perpetrating unprecedented levels of violence, assaults, and homicides.
As authorities continue to investigate yesterday’s attack, tensions remain at a breaking point. Citizens are demanding lasting solutions to end this nightmare. Without a coordinated security overhaul and consistent protection for campuses and residential areas, the risk remains that more young entrepreneurs like Jusewayne will fall victim to a kidnapping industry that shows no sign of slowing down.
