By Mfon-Obong Ntiero
An angry mob this morning in Calabar, Cross River State, set ablaze and burnt to death a man alleged to be an armed robber at the Murtala Muhammed highway by Ikot Effanga Mkpa, Calabar.
Eyewitnesses spoken to at the scene, told www.calitown.com that the deceased was part of a three man gang that allegedly robbed and raped their victim at Stream Road, Ikot Effanga Mkpa, Calabar. The victim’s cry for help is said to have attracted the local vigilante, who responded and gave chase.
The victim was subsequently caught by the vigilante and burnt. “He and his gang have been terrorizing the area for some time now. They rob people of phones and rape female victims, I tell you, walking around Ikot Effanga at night with your phone freely was never safe as these men will harass you and forcefully collect all your belongings”, one source in the area said.
Irene Ugbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State, when contacted by www.calitown.com, frowned at the role of the mob and further warned that residents of Calabar must desist from taking the laws into their hand. “The action of the mob is very unfortunate. People must understand that this action violates the law. Suspects should please be reported to the police, who will accordingly prosecute suspects”, she insisted.
At the time of going to press, the corpse of the victim was yet to be evacuated.
