A final-year Higher National Diploma (HND) student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, identified as Prince, was shot dead yesterday by gunmen at his residence along Abuja Street in Ikot Osurua community.

The incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. in the presence of the victim’s girlfriend. An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, told The Guardian that the gunmen entered the compound, went directly to Prince’s room, and shot him in the abdomen, leaving him in a pool of blood.

“The girlfriend raised the alarm, and neighbours came out to rush him to the hospital. The gunmen didn’t steal anything or rob anyone in the compound; they just shot him and fled,” the source said.

The witness described the victim as a popular figure in the neighbourhood and an active member of his church’s choral group.Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Timfon John, said there was a robbery in the area during which the student was killed.

“Information at our disposal indicates that there was a robbery and cult activity in the area.

The suspects invaded the compound, robbed residents, and shot the student. An investigation is ongoing,” John said. The incident shocked the community as residents mourned the young man, who was described as well-loved and jovial.