A middle-aged man who allegedly stole a chicken at Abitu Avenue by Ekpo Edem Street in Calabar South local government area of Cross River State, was subjected to a gruesome death by an angry mob which gathered after he was apprehended.
The deceased identified simply as Victor was set ablaze in the early hours of Tuesday February 10, and it was alleged that he gained notoreity for stealing petty things in the community before his death.
An eyewitness, George Asuquo told Vanguard;
“The victim has been in the habit of stealing things like car battery, generators and livestock including chickens in the neighbourhood, but people have become wiser.
“He never knew that word has gotten out about his illicit activities in the area. Although when he was caught last year by vigilante he was given the last warning which he obviously did not heed to.
“He came as usual in the early hours of Tuesday to steal some chicken but the chicken started making noise and alerted people that something was not right that was when they knew an intruder was in the environment.
“The people mobilised and laid siege for him, he was apprehended at about 4:00 am, the people refused to let him off the hook this time, hence they didn’t wait for too long before beating him up and setting him ablaze for the fowl he stole.”
The State’s Police Spokesperson, ASP Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident and also expressed disappointment that such barbaric act happened again in the state.
She said;
“We are not supporting criminals and their activities, but people must understand that jungle justice is against the law, they should hand over suspects to the police for further investigation and prosecution.”
