A fresh graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, in Imo State, identified simply as Steven, has been allegedly stabbed to death by suspected vigilante operatives.

According to reports shared on NaijaConfra, an X (formerly Twitter) page dedicated to advocacy against cultism and street violence, the incident happened on Friday.

According to the platform, Steven was accosted by the vigilante operatives who attempted to rob him.

He was, however, said to have been stabbed after he refused to allow them to take away his belongings.

“On Friday night, a young man named Steven, who recently graduated from Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, was killed by criminals after they tried to rob him.

“The criminals, who some said were vigilant personnel (unconfirmed), attempted to obtain/rob Steven of his money. While he was struggling with them, they stabbed him.

The platform further stated that Steven managed to escape from the scene and ran into a nearby bush in an attempt to save his life.

“Sadly, his lifeless body was discovered the next morning in the bush, where he had bled to death from the stab wounds,” the report added.

Meanwhile, friends of the deceased have reacted to the incident while demanding justice for the deceased.

Reacting, a friend of the deceased, Smart Nation, in a post on Facebook, wondered why those expected to protect lives were the same who killed Stephen.

He wrote, “Could this be a dream? How can we reconcile the fact that a security officer charged with the responsibility of safeguarding lives in a lodge was the same person who took the life of our brother? Farewell #Stevo!”

Another Facebook user, Miracle Oke, also asked that justice be meted out on the culprits.

“Please do anything to help us get justice for my brother’s death,” Oke wrote.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, did not pick up calls made to his telephone line for a reaction. A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

Several incidents involving members of local security outfits have raised public concern about human rights abuses in the South-East. Residents have accused some of carrying out illegal arrests, night raids, and killings under the guise of maintaining order. (The PUNCH)