His colleagues and friends said he represented excellence in many respects.
They said they looked up to him as an epitome of professionalism and humanity.
His mum, sister and other relatives? He was a source of joy and pride to them.
But with all his qualities and promise, Dr Obialo Ibe has become a victim of the violence that is spreading through many parts of Nigeria.
In a scenario said to be similar to the fate suffered by the SuperTV CEO, Usifo Ataga, he was stabbed in Abuja. Stabbed multiple times on a day he was set to journey to the United States of America.
The difference between the two violent deaths, one must say, is that, while Usifo was allegedly killed by a girlfriend, a domestic worker is being suspected in Ibe’s case.
Also, Usifo was killed at an apartment in Lagos, miles away from his Abuja home.
It should also be added, the devil behind Ibe rather made it double killings: he or she stabbed Ibe alongside his friend, who was found dead with him.
According to reports, Ibe, a radiologist, and his friend, were stabbed to death between 8am and 11am on Wednesday, December 15, with a neighbour of his saying the house-help suspected to have poisoned the victims before stabbing them to death.
“It is believed that the house boy poisoned the doctor and his friend, hacked them to death, and stole his SUV, cash, and took off. I heard that he was arrested at the Nigeria-Niger border.” the neighbour said.
Linda Ikeji added in a report that, quoting Ibe’s younger sister, Barrister Adanna Ibe, one Anthony Ogbo said the slain doctor was slated to leave for the United States of America with his friend the day they were murdered.
He added that they were stabbed several times in the chest and abdomen while Ibe’s new car, luggage and some documents were taken away by the killers.
Obi was ready to leave for the the airport. His friend came to pick him up. Adanna left for work.
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She later called her brother to wish him safe journey but could not reach him. After several attempts, she then called the house boy. The house boy said he left Obi at home to go out for an errand.
Adanna got worried and went back home. On reaching home, the gate was locked from the outside with a new padlock. She called the house boy again who told her where to find the new key.
“She got into the house and found lifeless Obi and his friend in a pool of their own blood. They both have been stabbed several times in the chest and abdomen. His 5 month-old car and traveling luggage plus documents all gone.”
Meanwhile, friends, family and colleagues have taken to social media to mourn the doctor and seek justice over his murder.
“Obi… I wasn’t going to post this because I didn’t want to believe you were truly gone. And in such a horrible way too. Then I saw your mum today and lo.. this is no nightmare. There’s no waking up from this. If we truly lived according to our deeds, you’d live to be one of the oldest people on this earth,” Omar Obinna wrote.
“Never falling one inch off the mark, you were the standard for everyone; family and friends alike. You always walked the path of peace. Little wonder we were able to bully you out of your chair back in the day. You were as shy as shy can be, always smiling. I don’t have a single memory of you angry. Who knew it would all end like this? Obi, your death has left all of us heartbroken, pained, angry and helpless
“Your murderers will know no peace. A worse fate awaits them. May they find no peace in this life or after. Rest In Peace Obialor until we meet again.”
