In the early hours of Wednesday, a recent graduate of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot-Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, lost his life in an attack by suspected armed robbers.
The victim, identified as Prince, was a computer science graduate preparing for the National Youth Service Corps programme when the assailants struck.
Speaking to The PUNCH in Uyo, a polytechnic community source revealed that the tragic incident occurred around 1 a.m. along Abuja Street in Ikot Osurua.
The gunmen allegedly entered the compound, went directly to the victim’s room, and shot him in the stomach while his girlfriend watched helplessly.
The source, who preferred anonymity, stated that the girlfriend raised an alarm, drawing the attention of neighbors.
The injured victim was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“The gunmen didn’t steal anything from the house. They did not even rob anybody in the compound. They just shot him and escaped,” the source recounted.
Reflecting on an encounter with the victim before the incident, the source added, “I met the victim yesterday at about 4 pm with his girlfriend. Both of them wore facemasks. Jovially, I asked them why they were dressing in that manner. We all laughed.
“The victim was very popular in the neighborhood and a strong member of a choral group in his church. We are shocked by the way he died,” the source lamented.
Confirming the incident, Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that the attack occurred during robbery and cult-related operations in the area.
“Information at our disposal is that there were robbery and cult-related operations in the area. They invaded and robbed where they shot somebody who was later identified as a student but an investigation is ongoing,” John explained.
