In a tragic incident that has shocked residents of Makurdi, Benue State, two men suspected of motorcycle theft were lynched and set ablaze by a mob in the early hours of Friday. The incident, which occurred around 12 to 1 am in the Nyon area of the city, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the prevalence of crime in the community.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the suspects were apprehended by a group of youths after attempting to rob a commercial motorcyclist, locally known as an Okada rider, in the Nyon suburb. According to reports, the Okada rider raised an alarm when the suspects allegedly tried to snatch his motorcycle from him.
"Terna," a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing ordeal: "The Okada man picked up the two suspects as passengers from the High-Level area heading to Nyon. When they reached their destination, the suspects demanded his motorcycle keys, but he refused. A struggle ensued, leading to the Okada man raising an alarm."
The incident highlights a worrying trend of motorcycle theft in the Makurdi metropolis, with community members expressing frustration over the rising cases of such crimes. Terna noted that local youths are increasingly vigilant and have vowed to apprehend culprits engaged in criminal activities.
Following the mob attack, the charred remains of the suspects were discovered by law enforcement officers, who have since launched an investigation into the incident. SP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, confirmed receiving a report on the lynching and stated that officers have been dispatched to gather information from the community.
While acknowledging the public's concerns, SP Anene reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law and urged residents to refrain from taking matters into their own hands. She urged citizens to report criminal activities to the authorities, assuring them that law enforcement agencies are committed to maintaining peace and order in the state.
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Makurdi remain on edge, grappling with the aftermath of the disturbing incident and calling for decisive action to address the underlying issues contributing to crime in their community.
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