Man reportedly shot dead for stealing lipstick, maggi

A suspected armed robber was fatally shot by security men on Sunday morning in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

The incident occurred around 6 am near the Bamboo Bus Stop in Ifite village, following reports that the suspect had stolen items from early morning churchgoers.

According to sources, the suspect had robbed three women, making away with their handbags. Items recovered from his possession after the shooting included a lipstick, ₦600, a Nokia torch phone, and two cubes of Knorr seasoning, all allegedly stolen from the women passing through the area.

One of the victims, who works at a popular joint in Awka, recounted her terrifying experience. She disclosed that the robbery was carried out by a three-man gang who accosted her at gunpoint as she made her way home from work. One of the other victims, a churchgoer, was just stepping out of her lodge when the gang struck.

“They approached me, demanding to know what was in my bag. The girl going to church saw what was happening and threw her bag into the bush. The robbers found my phone and money and took everything. They then ordered me to run without looking back,” the victim narrated.

As she fled toward the bush, one of the robbers chased her, while the other two pursued the churchgoer. It was at this point that a local security officer intervened, firing at one of the robbers and killing him instantly. The remaining two gang members managed to escape.

As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.