AKUTE STABBING: EX-CONVICT KILLS COLLEAGUE AFTER ARGUMENT, POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT

An ex-convict has allegedly stabbed his colleague, identified only as Dada, to death following an argument at Akute in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday and reportedly caused panic in the community, with some shop owners hurriedly closing their businesses and leaving the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the disagreement initially turned violent after Dada allegedly stabbed the suspect in the hand during the argument.

An eyewitness identified as Gabriel said people at the scene advised Dada to leave the area after the first confrontation. However, the suspect reportedly left temporarily before returning a few minutes later with a weapon.

The suspect allegedly attacked Dada and stabbed him in the neck before fleeing the scene.

Bystanders reportedly attempted to stop the bleeding and rushed the victim towards a hospital for medical attention. However, Dada reportedly died while being taken to the hospital.

Another eyewitness, identified as Samuel, said the victim's body was later left by the roadside after those who transported him realised that he had died. The police were subsequently alerted to the incident.

Following the report, officers arrived at the area and reportedly began searching for the suspect while also questioning and checking people found around the nearby bus stop.

A police source described the suspect as a notorious figure in the area and said the incident occurred under the Akute Bridge, which has reportedly been used as a hideout by suspected hoodlums.

The source said residents had previously complained about criminal activities around the location, including phone theft and other offences, particularly at night.

The police source added that authorities were still searching for the suspect at the time of the report.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said efforts had been intensified to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect.

The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Opeyemi Oluborode, confirmed that the command was aware of the case and was working to apprehend the suspect.

The latest killing has raised fresh concerns about security around the Akute area, particularly the activities of suspected criminals operating around the bridge.

The incident also comes months after another fatal stabbing in the area. In February, a commercial motorcyclist was reportedly killed following an argument over a N100 ticket involving a member of a transport union tax collection group.

That earlier incident triggered protests by commercial motorcyclists across communities including Lambe, Agbado and Akute.

Police authorities have continued efforts to locate the suspect involved in the latest incident as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing continue.