The shooting of a commercial motorcyclist by suspected gunmen near a student lodge off the campus has left the Abia State University (ABSU) community in deep fear.
The attack occurred in the early hours along one of the streets frequently populated by students, sparking fear among residents and raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation around the university premises.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim, who was a well-known motorcyclist in the university area, was killed in what appears to be a random act of violence.
“I was on my balcony when I heard what sounded like a loud motorcycle noise, almost like a blast,” a resident disclosed
“Curious, I moved to the general balcony to see what was happening. That’s when I saw two men—unmasked, dressed like bikers—carrying fully loaded AK-47s. They fired two more shots into the air. They looked like trained killers.”
He described how the victim rode into the scene unknowingly and tried to escape upon seeing the gunmen.
“The bike man was a victim of circumstance. As soon as he saw their faces, he tried to turn and flee, but they shot him at close range in the abdomen.
“He fell off his bike instantly. His blood spilled like water. He was still breathing, but he died shortly afterward—right in front of me,” the eyewitness added.
The gunmen reportedly fled the scene on foot toward Isuikwuato Road shortly after the shooting. Security operatives arrived about 15 minutes later, but efforts to pursue and apprehend the assailants proved futile.
“The military men chased after them but returned empty-handed. The police came and took the victim’s body away,” the witness said.