Police search for mob members after man killed for alleged theft

The police in Akwa Ibom State are looking for members of a mob who reportedly beat and burned a man accused of trying to steal a motorcycle in Uyo.

This incident took place around 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene-Uyo Road. Timfon John, the police spokesperson in the state, shared this information in a statement.

Ms John, who is a deputy superintendent of police, said the man who died was “accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle belonging to Idoroenyin Udo.”

The police said that Mr Udo fought back against the attempted theft and shouted for help, which led some people nearby to chase and catch the suspect.

Instead of taking him to the police, the mob attacked him and eventually set him on fire, killing him.

The police acted quickly after receiving a distress call. They sent operatives to the scene and started an investigation.

Ms John mentioned that they are working hard to find, track, and arrest everyone involved in the mob action.

“Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the police warned.

As of the time the police issued the statement, they had not identified the deceased man.

This incident has raised fresh concerns about mob justice in Akwa Ibom. This comes after the police recently arrested four people linked to the mob killing of a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong, in Uyo.

Mr Effiong was allegedly accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a poultry farm in Mbak 4 Community, Uyo Local Government Area, on 19 April.

Reports stated that a group of people violently attacked Mr Effiong, and he later died from his injuries. His body was reportedly buried in a shallow grave.

Following this, police arrested four main suspects and seized a Mitsubishi pick-up van thought to be connected to the case.

This latest killing has led the police to again warn residents against taking the law into their own hands.

The investigation into Wednesday’s killing is still ongoing, and police efforts to catch those involved are continuing.