A health worker, Umar Mohammed, was fatally stabbed in the head by hoodlums during a wedding ceremony in Minna, Niger State.
The incident, which highlights the ongoing struggle of security agents against rising violence in the state, occurred last Friday in the Gbegenu area of Minna.
According to an eyewitness, Haruna Aminu, Mohammed was returning from his job at a private clinic when he decided to attend the wedding. Shortly after his arrival, a group of over ten armed hoodlums began causing chaos at the event.
“I saw when Umar came there. He was returning from the private clinic where he worked. I cannot say whether he wanted to stay or continue his movement. It didn’t take long after he was there that these hoodlums, numbering over ten, began shouting at the top of their voices. They were wielding dangerous weapons. Many people gave way for them while others were injured,” Aminu recounted.
As Mohammed attempted to leave the scene, he was attacked. “Umar was attempting to leave the scene of the wedding when the hoodlums came after him and one of them stabbed him in the head with a dagger. He immediately fell to the ground with blood coming out from his head,” Aminu added.
Mohammed was rushed to the Minna General Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.
Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and reported that two suspects had been arrested, while others remained at large. In a WhatsApp message, Abiodun detailed the police response:
“On 17/5/2024 at about 2200hrs, it was reported at Kpakungu Division that there was a wedding ceremony at Gbeganu area, while some miscreants from the area reportedly led by one Ukasha and others, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked a victim named Umar Mohammed, 35 years old. The victim was inflicted with serious injury on the head, and he was rushed to General Hospital Minna, where he later gave up the ghost and was confirmed dead by the doctor.”
He continued, “The police patrol teams were drafted to the scene and two suspects were arrested while others fled from the scene. However, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects as the incident is under investigation,” Abiodun stated.
