Francis Atabi, a final-year student at the University of Calabar, was killed by suspected carjackers at the Mary Slessor roundabout on Friday, May 26, 2023.
While on duty, the 25-year-old student, who also worked part-time as a Bolt driver, was the victim of a terrible act of violence.
According to Punch, Atabi gave a ride to two people about 8 p.m. that fateful evening.
However, the suspects attempted to steal his Toyota Corolla automobile during the voyage.
The Education and Political Science student resisted the carjacking with great valor, which enraged the criminals even more.
Atabi was repeatedly stabbed and had a rope put around his neck in a violent attack.
The situation quickly escalated as Atabi, in a struggle to defend himself, lost control of the vehicle and collided with a security personnel at the scene.
Sadly, the security man also lost his life after being rushed to a hospital in Calabar.
SP Irene Ugbo, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the tragic incident and assured the public that an investigation is underway.
In a statement released on Sunday, SP Ugbo expressed determination in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“We shall do everything possible to ensure the assailants are arrested. No stone will be left unturned in this matter. We are launching a manhunt, and we shall get them and bring them to book,” stated SP Ugbo.
“This is a further wake-up call to Cross Riverians. The killers will be made to face the full wrath of the law when apprehended,” she added.