BREAKING NEWS: Nigerian shot dead during birthday party in Philippines

A Nigerian national identified simply as Babylon has been shot dead during a birthday celebration in Laguna, Philippines.

 learnt that the incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday.

A source privy to the incident but who preferred anonymity due to the circumstances surrounding it told our correspondent on Monday that the party was hosted by one Obinna.

The celebration, which took place at a private residence, turned violent when a disagreement broke out between two rival groups present at the venue.

The source said a faction of the group had gathered upstairs while Babylon and his faction were downstairs during the event. Trouble, however, started when Babylon’s group went upstairs to notify the host that they were leaving.

They were said to have been blocked by members of the rival faction, resulting in a heated argument that quickly escalated into gunfire.

“At Obinna’s birthday party, one group stayed upstairs while Babylon’s group was downstairs. When the party ended, Babylon’s group went upstairs to inform Obinna they were leaving, but the other group blocked their way.

“An argument broke out, but Babylon’s group returned downstairs. Shortly after that, a member of the group that was upstairs rushed downstairs and continued arguing with Babylon’s group. This escalated into gunfire, during which Babylon was shot in the process,” the source narrated.

A Closed-Circuit Television clip seen by our correspondent on Monday showed how the victim was shot as others present around the venue scampered for safety.

Another source who craved anonymity claimed Babylon attempted to flee but collapsed in a nearby bush close to the venue.

“The shooter fled the scene before police could arrive. Babylon, who tried to escape after being shot, collapsed in a nearby bush close to the compound and died from his injuries. His corpse was found on the spot later in the morning,” the source told our correspondent on Monday.

He further stated that Babylon resided in Manila and that he had travelled to Laguna for the party.

“Although the attack was believed to be cult-related, no arrest has been made yet. There were also concerns about Babylon’s corpse, as no one had yet to claim it since the incident happened. We understand he has a wife and kids in Nigeria, and efforts are ongoing to keep in touch with them,” the source added.

The PUNCH reported in 2023 that a Nigerian student, identified only as Ikem, was brutally murdered by a group of Chinese in the Republic of the Philippines.

An ally to the deceased, identified as Michael Ojuola, made this known on his X page.

He wrote, “A friend of mine, A Nigerian Medical Student named Ikem studying in the Republic of the Philippines, was brutally murdered by a group of Chinese.

“They tied his hands up, covered and tied his mouth and was beaten blue-black until he gave up the ghost.

The Philippines authorities had yet to release a statement on the matter as of the time this report was filed.