The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the deaths of two unidentified men allegedly attacked by a mob over suspected robbery in Calabar South. The incident occurred along Ekpo Obasi, near Yellow Duke, in the early hours of Sunday, the police spokesperson in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement.
Preliminary information indicated that the two men were allegedly apprehended and attacked by a mob after they were suspected of being involved in a robbery. Police operatives visited the scene, documented the incident and commenced preliminary investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify the deceased. The remains of the men have been evacuated from the scene with the assistance of relevant local government authorities for appropriate preservation.
The police urged residents to desist from jungle justice and hand suspected offenders over to the police or other lawful authorities for investigation and prosecution. “No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands,” the police said. The command said it would provide further details as the investigation progresses.
The latest incident comes amid a series of reported deaths and suspected murder cases in Cross River State. Days earlier, the command commenced an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old man whose body was found with a chest injury. In another recent case, the police arrested a man over the alleged murder of his six-year-old stepdaughter.
The cases have raised concerns over violent deaths and the need for thorough investigations and lawful prosecution of suspected offenders in the state. The police said their investigation would establish what led to the deaths of the two men and determine their identities. The command urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and avoid taking suspected criminals into their own hands.
The winners: none. The losers: the families of the two deceased; and the Nigerian public, who are reminded of the dangers of jungle justice.
Bottom Line: Two men are dead after a mob attack in Calabar. The police are investigating. The question is whether the perpetrators will be caught or jungle justice will continue to thrive.