Two suspected phone thieves were set ablaze by an irate mob yesterday in Plateau State.
The incident occurred in Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses report that the suspects were attacking passersby and road users with weapons, robbing them of phones and other valuables.
Angered by the incident, onlookers reportedly mustered the courage to pursue them.
While some of the suspects managed to escape, two were caught and set ablaze by the mob.
A resident of Kabong community, Mathew Ignatius, who confirmed the incident, said: “It happened this Friday morning. Some persons suspected to be cultists were attacking people and collecting their phones and money.
“This was not the first time, they have been terrorising the community, seizing valuables like phones, laptops and money.
“This morning, when they struck again, a mob gathered and gave them a hot chase. They caught two suspects and burnt them immediately, while others escaped.”
Reacting to the incident, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred.
The statement reads: “Plateau State Police Command received a disheartening report in the early hours of today, November 29, about a mob action in Jenta Adamu, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The report received through a distress call from a concerned citizen, indicated that at approximately 9:20am, a group of yet-to-be-identified cult members invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings.
“In response, the commissioner of police immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Jos to deploy officers and detectives to the scene and commence investigation.”
The police added, “Upon arrival, our team discovered that an angry mob had pursued the invaders, attacked them and set two individuals ablaze.
“The police, in collaboration with the leadership of Jos North Local Government Area, evacuated the charred bodies and deposited them at the morgue. Two locally fabricated pistols, believed to belong to the suspected cultists, were recovered from the scene.
“While the police strongly condemn the activities of armed robbers and cultists, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, equally condemns the execution of jungle justice. As a civilised society, citizens are urged to hand over suspects to relevant security agencies to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the Plateau State Penal Code.
“The commissioner warns that any individual or group found engaging in jungle justice will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm, as the command has implemented effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents.”
