…..Police Launch Manhunt, Warn Against Jungle Justice
By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the death of an unidentified man who was allegedly beaten and set ablaze by a mob at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The horrifying incident occurred at about 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after the man was accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
According to preliminary police findings, the motorcycle owner reportedly resisted the alleged theft and raised an alarm, attracting the attention of people in the area.
The suspect was subsequently chased and apprehended by some residents. However, rather than handing him over to the police, members of the mob allegedly attacked him before setting him on fire.
He sustained severe burns and died at the scene.
Police operatives were quickly deployed to the area after receiving information about the incident, while detectives commenced investigations to unravel what happened and identify those responsible.
The Command said efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest everyone linked to the mob action, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, condemned the incident and urged residents to reject jungle justice.
He stressed that an accusation does not amount to a conviction, warning that no individual or group has the authority to determine a suspect’s guilt or impose punishment outside the legal system.
The police boss urged residents who apprehend suspected criminals to immediately hand them over to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
He further warned that mob justice not only violates the law but can also destroy crucial evidence, compromise investigations and result in the death of innocent people.
The Command called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspected criminal activities to the police instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Investigation is ongoing as police intensify efforts to identify and arrest all persons connected with the incident.
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