An enraged mob in Plateau State, Nigeria, burnt to death two alleged phone thieves on Friday.
The incident took place in the Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of the day.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspects had been using weapons to attack pedestrians and motorists, stealing phones and other valuables. Outraged by the repeated attacks, some bystanders reportedly mustered the courage to pursue the suspects.
While several managed to escape, two were apprehended and set on fire by the mob.
Mathew Ignatius, a resident of the Kabong community, confirmed the incident stating: “It happened this Friday morning. Some individuals, believed to be cultists, were attacking people and taking their phones and money.
“This wasn’t the first time they had been terrorising the community, particularly in the early mornings, at noon, and in the late evenings, seizing valuables such as phones, laptops, and cash.
This morning, when they struck again, a mob gathered and chased them down. They caught two suspects and burned them on the spot, while others managed to flee.”
The Plateau State Police Command acknowledged the incident in a statement released on Friday by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred.
The statement read: “The Plateau State Police Command received a disturbing report early today, 29 November 2024, regarding an act of mob justice in Jenta Adamu, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The report, relayed via a distress call from a concerned citizen, indicated that at around 9:20 a.m., a group of unidentified cult members invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings.
“In response, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Jos, to dispatch officers and detectives to the scene and initiate an 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, removed the charred bodies and deposited them at a hospital mortuary. Two locally made pistols, believed to belong to the suspected cultists, were recovered at the scene.
“While the police strongly condemn the actions of armed robbers and cultists, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, equally condemns the practice of mob justice. As a civilised society, citizens are urged to hand over suspects to the appropriate security agencies to ensure justice is delivered in accordance with the Plateau State Penal Code.
“The CP warns that anyone found engaging in acts of jungle justice will face the full force of the law.
“We appeal to the public to remain calm, as the command has implemented robust measures to safeguard the security of all residents in the state.”
