A suspected motorcycle thief, said to be an ex-convict, was lynched and set ablaze by a mob on Tuesday morning along Kashim Ibrahim Way in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the suspect had boarded a motorcycle around 8 a.m. to Railway Quarters.
On reaching his destination, he allegedly stabbed the rider several times from behind and fled with the motorbike.
Alerted residents raised the alarm, prompting youths in the area to chase down the suspect.
He was reportedly beaten to death, and his remains set on fire after the stolen motorcycle was recovered.
The injured rider was rushed to hospital but died on the way, according to witnesses.
“It is quite unfortunate that the young man who went out to earn a living was killed in such a manner. The anger of those around led to the mob action,” one source said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue, DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspect had only recently been released from prison.
He, however, condemned the mob’s action, stressing that the Commissioner of Police had repeatedly warned residents against taking laws into their own hands. “Investigations are ongoing,” he added.