Minna, Nigeria – A 25-year-old man, Shamseen Danshehu, was fatally stabbed in the chest during a confrontation in the Kwangila area of Minna, Niger State, on Sunday evening.
The suspected assailant, identified as Mubarak, was promptly arrested by the Niger State Police Command. Eyewitnesses in the area reported that a heated altercation broke out between Danshehu and Mubarak, escalating into a physical fight.
During the scuffle, Mubarak allegedly drew a sharp object and stabbed Danshehu in the chest. Residents immediately rushed the victim to Minna General Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, as witnesses said they were unaware of what led to the dispute.
However, locals described Mubarak as a familiar figure in the neighborhood, often seen scavenging in waste bins and moving aimlessly along the streets. Some residents suggested he might be mentally unstable.
A resident who wished to remain anonymous expressed shock over the incident. “We always saw him around, rummaging through refuse bins, but we never thought he could be violent. It’s tragic that a young man lost his life in such a manner.”
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a statement to PUNCH Online on Monday. He stated that the suspect had been taken into custody and that an investigation was underway.
“The suspect has been arrested, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Abiodun said. “The case will be handled according to the law.”
The tragic killing has sparked conversations about the presence of mentally unstable individuals on the streets and the need for better mental health care and social intervention programs.
Some residents have called on the government to take urgent measures to identify and provide support for mentally ill individuals who roam the streets without supervision.
As the community mourns the loss of Danshehu, authorities are expected to continue investigations into the case while ensuring that justice is served.
