Another victim stabbed to death by suspected gang member in Calabar

A young man has been stabbed to death in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, in what residents say is a growing wave of violence linked to street gangs operating in parts of the city.

The incident occurred on Monday morning along Mary Slessor Road, where the victim was allegedly attacked following a dispute with a suspected gang member.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Akata, said the suspect traced and pursued the victim before stabbing him with a knife.

According to her, the victim was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, for medical attention but later died from his injuries.

“The victim was taken to UCTH for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctors. The body has been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” Akata said.

She disclosed that the suspect had been arrested, adding that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

The killing comes barely days after another incident that generated outrage in Calabar, with residents alleging that a young woman was murdered after being lured to an apartment by a suspect’s girlfriend.

Community members claimed the suspect attempted to dispose of parts of the victim’s body before he was apprehended by vigilantes and handed over to security operatives.

However, the police said no corpse was recovered from the premises, although investigators reportedly discovered traces of blood in the suspect’s residence.

The latest incidents have heightened concerns among residents, who say street gangs popularly known as “Skolombo Boys” are making a comeback in several parts of the city.

The groups, mostly made up of minors and teenagers, are said to occupy abandoned buildings, tunnels and public parks. Residents accuse them of engaging in violent attacks, robbery and other criminal activities, particularly at night.