[p]Tragedy struck at the Mary Slessor roundabout on Friday, May 26, 2023, as Francis Atabi, a final year student at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), met a devastating end when he was fatally attacked by suspected carjackers.
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[p]At just 25 years old, Francis Atabi, who also worked part-time as a Bolt driver, fell victim to a shocking act of violence while on duty, leading to his untimely demise.
[/p][p]According to reports from Punch, Atabi had offered a ride to two individuals around 8pm that fateful evening. However, as the journey progressed, the suspects attempted to snatch his Toyota Corolla vehicle, initiating a struggle.
[/p][p]Demonstrating immense bravery, the Education and Political Science student fought back against the carjackers. However, this only served to enrage the assailants further, resulting in a vicious attack. Atabi was repeatedly stabbed, and a rope was tied around his neck in a brutal act of violence.
[/p][p]The situation took a tragic turn when Atabi, in his struggle to defend himself, lost control of the vehicle and collided with a security personnel present at the scene. Regrettably, the security personnel also lost his life after being rushed to a hospital in Calabar.
[/p][p]SP Irene Ugbo, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the heartbreaking incident and reassured the public that an investigation is currently underway. In a statement released on Sunday, SP Ugbo expressed the determination of the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.
[/p][p]SP Ugbo stated, "We shall do everything possible to ensure the assailants are arrested. No stone will be left unturned in this matter. We are launching a manhunt, and we shall get them and bring them to book. This is a further wake-up call to Cross Riverians. The killers will be made to face the full wrath of the law when apprehended."
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