A suspected armed robber was beaten to death by a mob in Abangasang, Calabar, on Sunday morning, authorities have confirmed.
According to witnesses, the suspect was attempting to rob an unsuspecting woman when residents intercepted him.
The situation quickly escalated as the mob attacked him before police from the State Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrived to intervene.
The officers promptly took the suspect to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.
However, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed in a statement that the suspect died shortly after arrival.
“Unfortunately, the victim, yet to be formally identified, was pronounced dead in the early hours at the hospital,” he said.
The suspect’s body has been deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a thorough investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Police also recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with three 9mm rounds and arrested several individuals involved in the mob attack.
Three suspects are currently assisting investigators at the State Police Command headquarters.
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, condemned the mob action, stressing that such acts undermine the rule of law.
He urged members of the public to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
Afegbua said the operation underscored the command’s commitment to crime prevention and the protection of lives across the state.
