A suspected robber who terrorized residents of Uyo metropolis was lynched after a botched robbery attempt at a popular store near the Government House in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State's capital.
The burnt victim, together with their syndicates, invaded the compound for their nefarious conduct, but someone saw them and began to shout, according to an eyewitness who requested anonymity.
She claimed that the deceased's colleagues fled, leaving him behind, prompting the local youngsters to rally and overwhelm him despite his charms.
We were awoken this early morning at about 4:30 a.m. by the yell of a thief ooh, thief ooh, he claimed.
As a result, we quickly gathered the youths, who worked together to storm the property. And, when his companions fled, he was unfortunate and was eventually apprehended.
The adolescents attempted to pass immediate judgment on him, but their machetes were unable to pierce him. The slashes started penetrating his body after the boys tied his legs and cut some charms from his waist. His body was then doused in fuel and set on fire.
Some female students from the nearby University of Uyo who lived in the vicinity reported being raped and having their phones, computers, and cash stolen.
Meanwhile, Odiko Macdon, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), has advised youths and vigilante groups against jungle justice, promising to pursue those responsible for the state's lynching of criminal suspects.
"Jungle justice has no place in the criminal judicial system," he declared. Individuals have the right to arrest criminal suspects, but they must surrender them to the police for thorough investigation and prosecution.