- Vigilante group in Cross River apprehends two men for alleged theft
- Suspects caught stealing electric cables and fish in separate communities
- Offenders to be handed over to Ugep police for further investigation
Two men were allegedly nabbed for stealing fish and electrical cables in Cross River State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, within Yakurr Local Government Area.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the suspects, identified as Benjamin James Akpama and Eyong Ubi Okoi, were apprehended by a local vigilante team operating within the Ijiman and Okurubong communities.
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According to sources, Akpama, a resident of Nko, was allegedly caught while attempting to steal electrical wires from a utility installation.
In a separate but related case, Okoi, from Idomi, was allegedly found in possession of stolen fish, reportedly taken from a community-owned pond.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the vigilante personnel acted on a tip-off that led to the prompt arrest of both suspects at their respective locations.
Residents of the affected communities expressed frustration over rising petty crimes in the area, urging authorities to impose tougher sanctions.
A member of the Ijiman Okurubong vigilante group, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that both men were detained shortly after their apprehension.
He added that the suspects would not be released back into the community but instead handed over to the Nigeria Police in Ugep for formal investigations.
“These petty crimes are becoming too rampant. We’re doing our best, but we need official intervention,” he said.
Community elders have reportedly convened an emergency meeting to discuss increased collaboration with law enforcement to prevent similar incidents.
Some locals praised the swift action of the vigilante team, calling it a step in the right direction to restore sanity to the neighbourhood.
The Cross River State Police Command has yet to issue a formal statement concerning the arrests as of the time of this report.
Both suspects are expected to be charged after a preliminary investigation, which is said to be underway at the divisional headquarters in Ugep.
Authorities have encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security post or vigilante unit.
The incident underscores growing concern over security challenges facing rural communities in Cross River and across Nigeria.
