CALABAR, Nigeria — Tragedy struck on Friday, May 26, 2023, in Calabar, Cross River State, when a final-year student of the University of Calabar, who was also a driver for the ride-hailing service Bolt, was brutally killed by suspected car thieves.
The deceased, 25-year-old Francis Atabi, was reportedly giving a ride to two individuals around 8 pm near Mary Slessor roundabout when they attempted to seize his Toyota Corolla.
Atabi, a student of Education and Political Science, fiercely resisted the carjackers, who responded by stabbing him multiple times and attempting to strangle him with a rope.
The violent struggle resulted in Atabi losing control of the vehicle and tragically hitting a security guard.
The security guard, who was rushed to a local hospital in Calabar, has also since passed away from his injuries, sources say.
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the gruesome incident, assuring residents that they have launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
“No stone will be left unturned in a bid to bring the perpetrators to book,” said SP Irene Ugbo, the spokesperson for the state police command, in a statement released earlier on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns over security measures and the safety of ride-hailing services in the region.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are calling for justice for Atabi and the innocent security guard who lost their lives in this cruel act of violence.
