A 34-year-old Nigerian man, Quham Babatunde, was tragically stabbed to death by a gang of suspected thugs on South Anne Street, Dublin, Ireland, last Saturday.
According to reports, Babatunde had attended an Afroswing gig at a nightclub in the Irish capital on the night of the attack.
Emergency services treated him at the scene on South Anne Street early Saturday morning, but he was rushed to St. James’ Hospital, where medics struggled to save his life. Unfortunately, he succumbed to multiple stab wounds, including one to the heart.
Video footage circulating on social media showed a masked man brandishing a large knife as a brawl erupted on South Anne Street, off Grafton Street. The disturbing footage has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the community.
A murder investigation has been launched, with two suspects arrested and currently being interrogated by the police. Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described the incident as “disgusting and unacceptable.”
Babatunde had been living at the International Protection Accommodation Service Centre in Ballyogan, South Dublin.
However, his past has come under scrutiny, with reports emerging that he was previously arrested by Italian authorities over an allegation of rape in 2018. He was scheduled for deportation in 2019 but apparently remained in the country.
According to Italian online media company Gript, Babatunde, also known as ‘Mike Obumbo,’ was a promising footballer who played for the Reggiana youth team at the time of his arrest. He was also reported for illegal immigration apart from the rape allegation.
The Irish Mirror reported that Babatunde’s friends had confirmed to them that the former footballer was previously accused of rape in Italy, but they believed him to be innocent of the charges.
The incident has raised concerns about violence and crime in Ireland, particularly against asylum seekers and immigrants. The community is calling for justice and an end to such senseless violence.
As the investigation continues, the Irish authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.