Mob Set Robbery Suspect Ablaze In Uyo

A suspected robber was lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the deceased and other members of his gang, robbed passersby and shop owners at Ikpa road, dispossessing them of their mobile phones and other valuables.

An eyewitness who identified himself as Udoh Monday said the incident occurred at about 7 pm.

“At about 7 pm, a group of boys, about 10 or 12 of them, robbed people on this Ikpa road. They collected phones and money from persons on the street and also robbed some shops here,” he said.

“I had to run when I saw them approaching.”

The suspect was apprehended by some youths after a hot pursuit. Other members of his gang escaped, but luck ran out on him.

“They ran through Idak Okpo Street, but one of them was caught,” said Sarah Udofia, who said she was returning from the market when the incident occurred. “The boys beat him up badly with sticks and other items, before setting him ablaze.”

When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr, MacDon Odiko, confirmed the incident, but condemned the resort to jungle justice, stressing that such had no place in law.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command frowns at jungle justice. It has no place in our legal system. People should stop taking laws into their hands because an innocent person might be mistakenly lynched,” he said.

“Whenever people apprehend someone who is suspected to have stolen anything, it is only expedient that the person is handed over to the police for diligent prosecution.”

Mr Odiko urged citizens to stay away from crime, as criminality has a short life-span.

As at the time of this report, the burnt remains of the suspect had not been evacuated. They were still lying at Ikpa Road, beside the University of Uyo fence.