The police in Akwa Ibom State have launched a manhunt for members of a mob who allegedly beat and set ablaze an unidentified man accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle in Uyo.
The incident occurred at about 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, said in a statement.
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Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said the slain man was “accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle belonging to Idoroenyin Udo.”
According to the police, Mr Udo resisted the alleged theft and raised an alarm, prompting some people in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
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Rather than hand him over to the police, the mob assaulted him and later set him ablaze, killing him.
Police begin investigation
The police said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving a distress report and that an investigation had commenced.
Ms John said efforts had been intensified to identify, track down and arrest everyone involved in the mob action.
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“Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the police said.
The identity of the deceased had not been established as of the time the police issued the statement.
Police warn against jungle justice
The incident has again raised concerns over mob justice in Akwa Ibom, coming after the police recently announced the arrest of four suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong, in Uyo.
READ ALSO: Police foil planned kidnap operation, recover arms in Akwa Ibom
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.
This newspaper reported that the police said a group of people brutally assaulted Mr Effiong and later died from his injuries. His body was allegedly buried in a shallow grave.
The police subsequently arrested four principal suspects and recovered a Mitsubishi pick-up van allegedly linked to the incident.
The latest killing has prompted another warning from the police against residents taking the law into their own hands.
Investigation into Wednesday’s killing is ongoing, while police efforts to apprehend those connected with the incident continue.
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