A young man has been stabbed to death in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, in an incident that has renewed concerns over rising violence and the alleged resurgence of street gangs in parts of the city.
The fatal attack occurred on Monday morning along Mary Slessor Road, where the victim was reportedly assaulted following a dispute with a suspected gang member.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Akata, said the suspect allegedly tracked down and pursued the victim before stabbing him with a knife.
According to the police spokesperson, the victim was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for urgent medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries.
“The victim was taken to UCTH for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctors. The body has been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” Akata stated.
She disclosed that the suspect had been arrested and that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
The latest killing comes only days after another incident that sparked public outrage in the state capital. Residents had alleged that a young woman was murdered after being lured to an apartment by the girlfriend of a suspect.
Community members claimed the suspect attempted to dispose of parts of the victim’s body before he was apprehended by local vigilantes and handed over to security operatives.
However, the police maintained that no corpse was recovered from the premises during investigations, although officers reportedly discovered traces of blood in the suspect’s residence.
The two incidents have heightened fears among residents, many of whom have expressed concerns over what they describe as the growing activities of street gangs, popularly known as “Skolombo Boys”, across several parts of Calabar.
The groups, largely made up of minors and teenagers, are alleged to operate from abandoned buildings, drainage tunnels and public parks within the city.
Residents accuse the gangs of involvement in violent attacks, robbery and other criminal activities, particularly during the night, and have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb their activities.
The recent incidents have reignited discussions about public safety in Calabar, with community leaders and residents urging authorities to strengthen security measures and address the underlying social issues believed to be fuelling youth involvement in gang-related crime.
Police authorities have assured the public that investigations into the stabbing incident are ongoing and that those found culpable will be brought to justice.
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