A recent graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, in Imo State, identified only as Steven, has reportedly been stabbed to death by suspected members of a local vigilante group.
The incident was first reported by NaijaConfra, an X (formerly Twitter) platform known for campaigning against cultism and street violence.
According to the platform, Steven was accosted by the vigilante operatives, who allegedly attempted to rob him of his personal belongings.
He was said to have resisted the attempt, leading to his fatal stabbing.
His body was later found in a nearby bush the following morning, where he reportedly bled to death from multiple stab wounds.
Friends and acquaintances of the deceased have since taken to social media to demand justice and condemn the alleged involvement of local security operatives in his death.
A friend of the deceased, identified as Smart Nation, expressed shock over the development, questioning why those charged with protecting lives would turn violent.
He wrote, “Could this be a dream? How can we reconcile the fact that a security officer responsible for safeguarding lives in a lodge was the same person who took the life of our brother? Farewell #Stevo.”
Another Facebook user, Miracle Oke, also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, saying, “Please do anything to help us get justice for my brother’s death.”
Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered and a text message sent to him had yet to be returned as of press time.
The incident has renewed public concern over alleged misconduct by members of local security outfits in parts of the South-East. Residents have repeatedly accused some operatives of carrying out unlawful arrests, extortion, and extrajudicial killings under the guise of maintaining public order.