A man suspected of attempting to rob a residence was beaten to death by an angry mob in the early hours of Friday along Ikom Street in Calabar, Cross River State.
The yet-to-be-identified suspect was alleged to have broken into a house at about 4 a.m. with the intention of robbing a female resident and other occupants.
According to eyewitnesses, the woman raised an alarm after noticing the intruder, drawing the attention of neighbours who quickly responded and prevented the suspect from escaping.
Residents reportedly apprehended the man and moved him to a nearby area where he was held while efforts were made to alert the police.
However, the situation reportedly turned violent when some members of the crowd allegedly attacked the suspect, leading to fatal injuries before security operatives arrived.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed the suspect attempted to flee while being held, prompting some residents to assault him.
The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that the police were investigating the attempted robbery and said an official statement on the incident would be issued.
The police are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding both the alleged attempted robbery and the suspect’s death.