Residents of Minna in Niger State have been thrown into a state of tension as a man, identified as Abdulmutalib, was stabbed to death for attempting to snatch his phone from thieves, News About Nigeria reports.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident in a brief statement on Tuesday.
The State Command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, noting that the victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Abiodun stated that the investigation is ongoing and the search for the suspects is in motion.
He stated, “The victim was rushed to General Hospital, Minna, where he was confirmed dead. The case is under investigation, and efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.”
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity noted that the sad incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday along Old Secretariat Road, Minna.
He stated that the victim, who is believed to be in his 30s, was walking when the assailants accosted him, demanding his mobile phone. Before he could respond, one of the attackers fatally stabbed him in the neck with a dagger.
“The phone snatchers were young men, likely in their 20s and teens. They confronted him, asked for his phone, and without waiting for a response, one of them stabbed him. They fled with his phone, and by the time help arrived, he was already dead,” the source stated.
Residents of Minna have expressed growing concern over the surge in violent crimes, particularly phone snatching.
Suleiman Kuta, a resident of the city, lamented the authorities’ failure to curb the menace, describing the situation as a threat to public safety.
“These hoodlums are taking over Minna. Every day, you hear of attacks, phone snatching, and youth unrest. On safety and security matters, no one seems to be in charge. These criminals are known to many, yet nothing is being done. The authorities seem powerless,” Kuta said in frustration.
