A recent graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, in Imo State, identified simply as Steven, has reportedly been stabbed to death by suspected vigilante operatives.
The incident, which occurred on Friday night, was reported by NaijaConfra, an X (formerly Twitter) platform known for its advocacy against cultism and street violence.
According to the report, Steven was confronted by the vigilante members who allegedly tried to rob him. When he resisted, he was said to have been stabbed during the struggle.
“On Friday night, a young man named Steven, who recently graduated from Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, was killed by criminals after they tried to rob him. The criminals, who some said were vigilant personnel (unconfirmed), attempted to obtain/rob Steven of his money. While he was struggling with them, they stabbed him,” the post read.
The report further revealed that Steven managed to escape and ran into a nearby bush in an attempt to save his life. “Sadly, his lifeless body was discovered the next morning in the bush, where he had bled to death from the stab wounds,” the statement added.
Friends and colleagues of the deceased have taken to social media to express grief and demand justice.
One of his friends, Smart Nation, lamented the incident in a Facebook post, questioning why a supposed security operative would take a life he was meant to protect.
He wrote, “Could this be a dream? How can we reconcile the fact that a security officer charged with the responsibility of safeguarding lives in a lodge was the same person who took the life of our brother? Farewell #Stevo!”
Another Facebook user, Miracle Oke, also appealed for justice, writing, “Please do anything to help us get justice for my brother’s death.”
As of press time, efforts to reach the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over the activities of local vigilante groups in the South-East, with residents accusing some of them of carrying out unlawful arrests, night raids, and killings under the guise of maintaining order.
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