Calabar Trader Arrested After Allegedly Tracking Down and Stabbing Man to Death

A middle-aged trader, identified as Idris Abdullahi, of the Bogobiri area in Calabar, Cross River State, has been arrested by the police in connection with the alleged murder of a man following a violent altercation that stemmed from a street clash. Police sources said the incident traces back to a dispute between Abdullahi and a group of unidentified street boys along Mary Slessor Road on June 14, 2026, during which the trader reportedly sustained injuries.

The matter escalated a day later when Abdullahi allegedly embarked on a retaliatory search for one of those involved in the earlier confrontation.

On June 15, Abdullahi allegedly traced one of the individuals involved in the fracas to the Nigerian Chronicle Barracks Road, opposite Akim Police Barracks, where he chased and stabbed the victim with a knife.

— Police Source

The victim was immediately rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment but was later confirmed dead by doctors. His body has since been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

Residents Describe Pattern of Street Violence Spiralling Into Revenge Attacks

Residents of the affected areas described the development as tragic and avoidable, lamenting what they called a growing pattern of street violence escalating into fatal revenge attacks in parts of the city.

This is painful. It started like a small misunderstanding on the road and now somebody has lost his life. We are all afraid because nobody knows what can trigger the next violence.

— Effiong, Bogobiri Resident

Suspect in Custody, Case Headed to SCID

Police authorities confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody, with the matter expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation. Security operatives urged residents to remain calm and warned against reprisal actions, even as the incident raises fresh concerns over street clashes and the deadly consequences of self-help and retaliation in urban communities.