Police Hunt Suspects After Mob Kills Man In Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom police say they have begun a manhunt after a mob allegedly beat and set ablaze an unidentified man accused of trying to steal a motorcycle.

The incident happened at about 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene-Uyo Road, according to the police statement cited in the reports.

Police spokesperson Timfon John said the motorcycle owner, identified as Idoroenyin Udo, resisted the alleged theft and raised an alarm. Residents then pursued and apprehended the man, but the police said the mob attacked him instead of handing him over to officers.

The command said officers were deployed after a distress report and that efforts had been intensified to identify and arrest those involved in the killing.

Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare condemned the attack and warned residents against jungle justice, saying no individual or group had the right to decide guilt or impose punishment outside the law.

The deceased had not been identified at the time of the police statement. The reports did not say that any suspect had been arrested over the mob action.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times