The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of an unidentified man who was allegedly attacked, set ablaze and burnt to death by a mob at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
John stated that the incident occurred at about 7:05 am following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
The PPRO noted that preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle owner allegedly resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
She continued, “Instead of handing him over to the Police for proper investigation, some members of the mob allegedly took the law into their own hands, assaulted the suspect and subsequently set him ablaze, resulting in his death.”
John said that upon receiving the distress report, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and an investigation commenced.
She added that the command had intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the mob action, adding that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
