Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly killed a man identified as Emmanuel Rufus in Edo State.

The incident happened on Saturday on the Igarra-Ebilo Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, according to NAN.

A source who preferred anonymity said the victim was travelling alongside his two relatives in a Mercedes-Benz GLK when gunmen emerged from the bush and opened fire on the car.

One of the victims reportedly died in the process, while the other occupants of the vehicle were whisked away into the bush.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the killing, said it was not a case of kidnapping but murder.

Nwabuzor said that the report from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Igarra Division indicated that one Emmanuel Rufus was seen lying on the Igarra-Ebilo Road in Akoko Edo Local Government of the state.

He said that the police and local vigilantes mobilised to the scene and met the victim with a bullet wound inside the car, with registration number BEN 303 GM.

The police spokesperson said that the body of the victim was later removed by his immediate family for burial.

According to him, investigations into the matter are ongoing, along with efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects.