By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM |
Pandemonium erupted on Sunday, June 9th, when a suspected tricycle snatcher was killed by an angry mob in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to reports gathered by National Telescope, the incident involved a three-person syndicate, including a woman.
On the fateful day, the group hired a tricycle operator at Ikot Oku Ikono junction, commonly known as Ekom Iman junction, under the guise of travelling to Abak.
Upon reaching a desolate area in the Ediene Abak community, one of the suspects brandished a gun and threatened the tricycle rider. The rider bravely resisted, struggling with the attackers and raising an alarm to attract attention from passersby.
Witnesses reported that upon noticing the commotion, bystanders pursued the gang. One of the suspects, believed to be in his early 30s, was apprehended, while the other two, including the female member, escaped.
The woman reportedly sustained machete wounds on her right arm but managed to flee after firing shots into the air to deter the mob.
An eyewitness recounted that the captured suspect, identified as the son of the village head of Ikot Obio Inyang in Etinan Local Government Area, was severely beaten before being set on fire by the mob. This occurred before a police team could arrive at the scene.
Upon learning of his son’s fate, the village head obtained a coffin and rushed to the scene to retrieve the charred body.
However, the mob deceived him into leaving to buy drinks as a condition for releasing the body. While he was away, the mob buried the coffin in the smoldering fire that had burned his son.
When a police team eventually arrived, they found the area in disarray. None of the officers were willing to speak officially to our correspondent, but one officer remarked, “It’s good for him.”
The Police Public Relations Officer for Akwa Ibom State, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the incident.
He stated that the command had reached out to the Abak Division immediately upon hearing the report.
The brutal incident has raised concerns about mob justice in the region, highlighting the dangers and ethical issues surrounding such extrajudicial actions.
It underscores the need for improved law enforcement and community relations to prevent such violent outbreaks and ensure justice is administered lawfully.
The tragic event remains a stark reminder of the volatile security situation in some areas, prompting calls for better mechanisms to handle criminal activities and protect the rights of all citizens
