A Nigerian asylum seeker, Quham Babatunde, 34, was tragically killed in a brutal stabbing near Dublin’s main shopping district, raising growing concerns over knife-related violence in the Irish capital.
Mr. Babatunde reportedly attended an Afroswing event at a nightclub before the attack took place in the early hours of February 15 on South Anne Street. Emergency responders treated him at the scene for multiple stab wounds, including one to the heart, according to The Irish Independent.
He was rushed to St James’s Hospital, where medical staff fought to save his life, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A second man sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including a suspected fractured cheekbone, and was also treated at St James’s Hospital.
Authorities have launched a murder investigation and arrested two men who are currently being questioned in connection with the incident.
Babatunde had been living at the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in Ballyogan, south Dublin, according to reports from RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster.
Disturbing footage circulating on social media shows a masked individual wielding a large knife amid a chaotic altercation on South Anne Street, near Grafton Street—one of Europe’s busiest shopping areas. The video appears to capture the moment Babatunde was attacked, followed by scenes of paramedics attending to him on the ground.
The suspects fled the scene before emergency services arrived.
The area, known for its bars and restaurants, remained busy with pedestrians at the time of the attack. Gardaí believe both the victim and suspects had attended the same Afroswing event at a nearby club before the violent incident occurred. Investigators are examining whether the stabbing followed a clash between two groups after the event at Twenty Two Dublin nightclub.
Following the tragedy, management at the Ballyogan IPAS centre issued a message of condolence, highlighting that Babatunde head one of the centre’s earliest residents.
“In light of this sad event, anyone who has been affected, IPAS has put in place support for both residents and staff to be able to get through this difficult time.
“Our sincere condolences go out to his friends and family and anyone who knew him in Ballyogan,” the statement read.
Former asylum seeker and activist Lucky Khambule told The Irish Mirror that residents at the Ballyogan centre were devastated by the loss. Friends described Babatunde as a cheerful person, known for his ever-present smile.
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, condemned the attack, calling the violence “disgusting and unacceptable,” and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
