Jungle Justice: Man Burnt To Death For Stealing Fowl

The Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Irene Ugbo  has condemned the jungle justice meted on a middle aged man identified as Victor.

In the early hours of today, Victor was waylaid, beaten and burnt to death by an angry mob in Ekpo Edem in Calabar South LGA for stealing a fowl.

The unfortunate incident occurred at Abitu Avenue by Ekpo Edem beside Living Faith Church at about 5:00 am Tuesday morning.

George Asuquo who witnessed the incident said that, the victim was in the habit of petty stealing in the area.

George said:” The victim has been in the habit of stealing things like a car battery, generators, and livestock including chickens in the neighborhood, but people have become wiser.

“He never knew that word has gotten out about his illicit activities in the area. Although when he was caught last year by vigilante he was given the last warning which he obviously did not heed to.

“He came as usual in the early hour of Tuesday to steal some chicken but the chicken started making noise and alerted people that something was not right that was when they knew an intruder was in the environment.

“The people mobilised and laid siege for him, he was apprehended at about 4:00 am, the people refused to let him off the hook this time, hence they didn’t wait for too long before beating him up and setting him ablaze for the fowl he stole,” Asuquo said.

Confirming the incident, ASP Irene described such act as barbaric and tragic.

Irene had earlier warned members of the public to desist from taking laws into their hands by handing over suspects to the police.

“We are not supporting criminals and their activities, but people must understand that jungle justice is against the law, they should hand over suspects to the police for further investigation and prosecution,” she said.