Suspected assailants have murdered a 30-year-old Point of Sale operator, Aliyu Vatsa, in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
The report stated that the attackers broke into Vatsa’s residence in the T-Mama area of the city in the early hours of Monday.
Sources reported that the assailants ignored the victim’s pleas and offers of money, allegedly telling him, “We are here just to kill you.” He was reportedly stabbed in the stomach and then repeatedly macheted.
Vatsa’s cries for help drew neighbours, but they were unable to rescue him or apprehend the attackers. Neighbours reportedly took him first to a Nigeria Police Force station in Tudunwada, then to the General Hospital in Minna, where he was pronounced dead.
His elder brother, Ibrahim Kolo, confirmed the incident, adding that Aliyu was buried at a Muslim burial ground at around 10 a.m. on Monday.
“It is very sad and pathetic. I believe my brother’s killers will surely be arrested and brought to justice,” Kolo said.
When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, noting that the assailants fled before police arrived.
He stated, “On 9th March, 2026 at about 3am, report received indicated that there was a suspected culpable homicide around Mandela area of Minna, and Police patrol team attached to Tudunwada Division moved to the scene, but before getting there, the assailants had escaped.
“It was discovered that the victim who was identified as one Aliyu Musa, 34 years, a PoS operator, was attacked in his house by two suspects. Based on body examination, it was discovered that he was attacked and shot on the chest, with a machete cut injury on his head.
“During the incident, the victim and his wife raised an alarm, which attracted neighbours, but the suspects escaped and nothing was stolen in the house. Exhibits recovered include one iron cutter, which was used to gain entrance through the window, and a cutlass was also recovered.
“The victim was taken to General Hospital, Minna, where he was confirmed dead. The incident is under investigation and efforts to arrest the hoodlums are in progress.”