In a disturbing incident early Friday morning, a mob in Nyon community, located on the outskirts of Makurdi town, took justice into their own hands by lynching two suspected motorbike thieves and setting their bodies on fire.
According to an eyewitness who preferred anonymity, the two young men hailed a motorbike taxi from the Katsina-Ala Street area of the town to Nyon community around 2 a.m. However, upon reaching their destination, they allegedly attempted to steal the motorbike.
The eyewitness recounted that the motorbike rider informed the mob that the suspects had boarded his vehicle from Katsina-Ala street to be dropped off in Nyon. When they arrived, the suspects claimed they didn’t have money and promised to pay upon reaching their destination. As the rider attempted to leave without payment, the suspects allegedly tried to forcefully take possession of the bike keys, prompting the rider to raise an alarm.
This cry for help attracted the attention of community youths who swiftly intervened, chasing down the suspects, apprehending them, and subjecting them to a fatal beating before setting their bodies ablaze with tires.
Expressing concern over the prevalence of motorcycle theft in Makurdi town, the eyewitness revealed that local youths had resolved to take drastic measures against thieves caught in the act, intending to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities.
When contacted, Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed receiving a report on the incident and stated that officers had been dispatched to investigate the matter further.
