Irate youths in Ikpe Ikot Akpan village, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in early hours of Wednesday, burnt to death an unidentified man suspected to be a thief.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, said the command has begun investigation into the matter with the aim of bringing the perpetrators of the mob action to book.
She said the incident occurred at about 7:05 a.m., following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
According to her, ”Preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle owner allegedly resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
“Instead of handing him over to the Police for proper investigation, some members of the mob allegedly took the law into their own hands, assaulted the suspect and subsequently set him ablaze, resulting in his death.”
The command spokesperson said operatives have intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the act, adding that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has condemned the incident and warned members of the public against jungle justice in any form.
”Jungle justice is unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable. It destroys evidence, frustrates proper investigation and can lead to the killing of innocent persons,” the CP stated.