A gang of criminals violently killed a man named Abdulmutalib in Minna, Niger State, while attempting to steal his phone.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack took place at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday along Old Secretariat Road. Abdulmutalib, thought to be in his early 30s, was walking when the attackers confronted him and demanded his phone. Before he could react, one of them fatally stabbed him in the neck with a knife.
“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,” an unnamed witness stated.
Residents of Minna are increasingly worried about the rise in violent crimes, especially incidents of phone theft.
Suleiman Kuta, a local inhabitant, expressed his concerns about the authorities’ inability to address the issue, labeling it a danger to community 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.
He also condemned the Niger State government and the police for their evident lack of action, cautioning that if this pattern persists, the Bago administration may be seen as unsuccessful in addressing security issues.
“We need to start asking why the government is neglecting the security of lives and property. The situation is spiralling out of control, and the state police command needs to act fast to prevent further loss of lives.”
When reached by PUNCH, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, did not answer multiple calls or messages at first.
Nonetheless, by Tuesday morning, he provided confirmation of the incident in a short message.
“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,” Abiodun’s message read.
The PUNCH
