An unidentified middle-aged man was reportedly beaten to death by an angry mob after allegedly attempting to rob a residence along Ikom Street in Calabar, Cross River State, in the early hours of Friday.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect allegedly broke into a house at about 4:00 a.m., where he reportedly attempted to rob a woman and other occupants. Residents also alleged that he tried to sexually assault the woman, but she resisted and raised an alarm, attracting neighbours to the scene.
The residents quickly responded, preventing the suspect from escaping before overpowering him. He was later dragged onto the main Ikom Street, where a crowd gathered.
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An eyewitness said the suspect allegedly confessed to the attempted robbery while being held by residents. However, before security operatives could arrive, some members of the crowd reportedly attacked him with clubs, planks, and metal objects after he allegedly attempted to flee.
The assault left the suspect critically injured, and he later died at the scene.
The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that the police were aware of the incident and said an official statement would be issued. He added that investigations into the alleged attempted robbery and the mob killing were ongoing.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead hand suspects over to security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
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