A yet to be identified ex convict has allegedly stabbed his colleague, popularly known as Dada, to death during an argument in the Akute area of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly caused panic in the community, forcing some traders and shop owners around the area to hurriedly shut their businesses and leave.
It was gathered that the altercation between the two men escalated after Dada allegedly stabbed the suspect in the hand during the disagreement.
An eyewitness, identified as Gabriel, said the suspect, who was said to have recently regained his freedom from prison, initially left the scene after sustaining the injury.
According to him, some residents subsequently advised Dada to leave the area, but he reportedly remained at the scene.
Gabriel said the suspect returned a few minutes later with a weapon and attacked Dada, stabbing him in the neck.
He said some bystanders attempted to stop the bleeding before rushing the victim to a hospital, but he reportedly died on the way.
Another eyewitness, Samuel, said the victim’s remains were later left by the roadside after those transporting him realised he had died.
He added that the police were subsequently alerted, prompting officers to arrive at the area and search for persons suspected to be loitering around the bus stop.
A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, described the suspect as a known criminal in the area.
The source said the fatal attack occurred beneath the Akute bridge, an area allegedly used as a hideout by hoodlums.
“There are reports of phone theft and other criminal activities in the area. Passing through there at night is a problem.
That is why our men are usually stationed there at night. We are still looking for the suspect,” the source said.
The source also disclosed that efforts were underway to secure the area, noting that authorities had commenced fencing part of the space beneath the bridge to prevent criminals from using it as a shelter.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Opeyemi Oluborode, confirmed the development in a WhatsApp message on Sunday.
He said, “The command is very much aware of the case and has seriously intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspect.”
The latest incident is the second fatal stabbing reported around the area in recent months.
In February, a commercial motorcyclist was reportedly stabbed to death following an argument with a member of a transport union revenue collection group over a N100 ticket.
The incident subsequently triggered protests by commercial motorcyclists in Lambe, Agbado and Akute communities.