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A chilling incident unfolded in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, when a POS operator and student of Benue State University, Alice Ote Okpa, narrowly escaped death after being stabbed in the neck by her customer during a cash transaction. The orphan, who relies on her POS business along Bush Bar, Makurdi, to fund her education and daily needs, had been called by her regular customer, Mrs. Cynthia Emmanuel, to bring N850,000 to her residence along Naka Road for a supposed business deal.
Trusting the familiarity of the customer, Alice took the money to Cynthia’s home. Upon arrival, she handed over the cash and waited for Cynthia to provide her bank card to complete the electronic transfer. Instead, in a shocking turn of events, Cynthia allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Alice in the neck.
Reacting swiftly, Alice struggled, managed to jump out of the house after spotting the knife in time, and raised an alarm. Neighbors and passersby rushed to the scene, intervened, and helped subdue the situation. Cynthia was subsequently arrested by local authorities, while the injured POS operator received immediate medical attention.
The post, which described the assailant’s actions as “certified wicked,” has sparked outrage online, with many expressing shock at the betrayal of trust in what was meant to be a routine transaction. Commenters lamented the growing insecurity faced by small business operators in Benue State, noting that POS agents now suffer attacks even more frequently than commercial motorcyclists, local yahoo boys, or tax collectors.
“May God always protect Benue ladies trying to survive through legal and legitimate businesses,” the post concluded, echoing the sentiments of many who called for stronger security measures and community vigilance to safeguard entrepreneurs, especially women and youth hustling to make ends meet.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by cash handlers in an increasingly volatile environment. Authorities are urged to ensure justice is served and to implement safety protocols for mobile money operators across the state.
