A Nigerian migrant in Malaysia has reportedly cut off a police officer’s hand during an attack in Kepong, an area of the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
A witness told 9News Nigeria that the man was allegedly under the influence of drugs when he attacked the officer with a machete. The officer was part of a police response team called to the scene following reports of violent behaviour by the man.
Speaking with 9News Nigeria’s Asia correspondent, the witness alleged that the man had consumed a large quantity of an unidentified drug before becoming violent towards his neighbours, prompting them to call law enforcement officers to bring the situation under control.
According to the witness, the police approached the apartment where the Nigerian man was staying. When the door opened, the man emerged with two long machetes and attacked one of the officers, striking him on the head before severing one of his hands.
“While the violence ensued, the officers fired a live shot at him and he fell and gave up the ghost instantly,” the witness said.
An amateur video recorded by the witness and made available to 9News Nigeria showed the man rampaging through the residential premises and striking vehicles parked in the car park with a machete.
At the time of filing this report, 9News Nigeria had yet to establish the man’s full identity.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement posted on his X account, condemned the attack and called for firm action against anyone responsible for violence against law enforcement officers.
“I strongly condemn the attack on a police officer on duty in Kepong by a foreign national and pray for the officer’s speedy recovery.
“Any form of crime and violence, especially against law enforcement officers entrusted with protecting the public’s safety, is utterly unacceptable.
“Firm action must be taken against any criminal act, regardless of who commits it, to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of law enforcement officers on duty,” Ibrahim said.
