A final year student of Akwa Ibom state Polytechnic, Ikot Osura has been murdered.
The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, identified as Prince Macaulay, a Computer Science student awaiting mobilisation for the compulsory National Youth Service Corps, was shot d3ad in front of his girlfriend in his room along Abuja Street, Ikot Osurua community.
A source within the polytechnic community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Punch that the gunmen gained entry into the compound around 1 am and moved directly to the victim’s room, where they shot him in the stomach.
The victim’s girlfriend immediately raised the alarm, drawing the attention of neighbours who rushed to the scene.
Prince was swiftly taken to a hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
“The gunmen didn’t steal anything or rob anyone in the compound. They just shot him and escaped,” the source said.
“I met him yesterday around 4 pm with his girlfriend. They were both wearing facemasks, and we joked about their appearance. He was a popular figure in the neighbourhood and an active member of his church’s choral group. We are all in shock over his death.”
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the incident but stated that the attack might be linked to both robbery and cult activities in the area.
“Information we have indicates that there was a robbery and cult-related operation in the vicinity. The assailants invaded the area and shot the student during the robbery. An investigation is ongoing,” the PPRO added.
