A fresh graduate of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot- Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state has been killed by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers.
The student, a computer science graduate simply identified as Prince was awaiting mobilisation for the compulsory National Youth Service Corps programme when he was killed by the hoodlums in the early hours of wednesday.
A source within the polytechnic in Uyo, disclosed that the deceased was shot in front of his girlfriend in his room at about 1:00am on Wednesday along Abuja Street, in Ikot Osurua community.
The source further revealed that the gunmen gained entrance into the compound, moved straight to the room of the victim and shot him in the stomach leaving him in a pool of blood.
After being shot, the deceased’s girlfriend reportedly immediately raised the alarm which attracted neighbours to come out. The victim was later rushed to the hospital for treatment where he was confirmed dead.
“The gunmen didn’t steal anything from the house. They did not even rob anybody in the compound. They just shot him and escaped.
“I met the victim yesterday at about 4 pm with his girlfriend. Both of them wore facemasks. Jovially, I asked them why they were dressing in that manner. We all laughed.
“The victim was very popular in the neighbourhood and a strong member of a choral group in his church. We are shocked by the way he died,” the source narrated.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident, added that there were robbery and cult operations in the area where the victim’s compound was robbed while the student was shot dead.
“Information at our disposal is that there were robbery and cult-related operations in the area. They invaded and robbed where they shot somebody who was later identified as a student but an investigation is ongoing,” John said.