A middle-aged man who allegedly specialised in stealing fowls met his water loo on Tuesday in Ekpo Edem, Calabar South local government of Cross River State when a mob caught and set him ablaze.
It was gathered that the incident occurred along Abitu Avenue by Ekpo Edem, beside Living Faith Church around 5:00 am.
One George Asuquo who claimed to have been an eye witness told Vanguard in an interview that the victim, identified simply as Victor, was in the habit of stealing petty things in the area.
“The victim has been in the habit of stealing things like car battery, generators, and livestock including chickens in the neighborhood, but people have become wiser.
“He never knew that word has gotten out about his illicit activities in the area. Although when he was caught last year by vigilante he was given the last warning which he obviously did not heed to.
“He came as usual in the early hour of Tuesday to steal some chicken but the chicken started making noise and alerted people that something was not right that was when they knew an intruder was in the environment.
“The people mobilised and laid siege for him; he was apprehended at about 4:00 am, the people refused to let him off the hook this time, hence they didn’t wait for too long before beating him up and setting him ablaze for the fowl he stole,” Asuquo said.
Spokesman for the state police command, Ms. Irene Ugbo who confirmed the report said it was unfortunate that such a barbaric act happened again in Calabar.
She said she the command had earlier warned members of the public to desist from resorting to jungle justice but to hand over suspects to the police.
“We are not supporting criminals and their activities, but people must understand that jungle justice is against the law; they should hand over suspects to the police for further investigation and prosecution,” she said.
