13th May, 2012
Akwa Ibom kick boxer Alexander Joseph, nick named “Ibom”, has been killed by gunmen.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ibom was attacked by his assailants at about 9.30 am on Saturday at Uyo Township Stadium during a training session.
Witnesses told NAN that the no fewer than five persons had trailed the victim to the stadium and inflicted several machete cuts on him before firing three gunshots on his neck.
Some athletes, who trained with Ibom the previous day, said that the deceased was in top form for 2012 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Lagos later this year.
The athletes described the murder of Ibom as terrifying, adding that he attempted to resist the assassins.
Onyeka Orji, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident and said that the police had made some arrests, while investigation continues.
Aniedi Dickson, the State Director of Sports, told NAN that the deceased was a strong boy. “It is quite unfortunate, he was our medal hopeful, he is a very strong boy, and his death may dampen the moral of our boys.“We organise trial for them every quarter in the last trial two weeks ago he was very strong, he was excellent,” Dickson said.Dickson, who said that he was yet to be briefed by victim’s coach, said that the demise of the boxer was painful.
Ibom won a bronze medal for Akwa Ibom in the 2009 National Sports Festival hosted by Kaduna state.