Residents Take Justice into Their Own Hands, Suspected Thief Burned Alive
A suspected motorcycle thief was burned to death by residents in Niger State after he attempted to evade capture by attacking pursuers with a knife. Witnesses reported that the crowd overpowered him before setting him ablaze using tyres. Efforts to reach police for comment were unsuccessful, highlighting concerns about public safety and vigilantism in the area.
A suspected motorcycle thief was tragically set ablaze by residents at Kawo Market in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect had stolen a motorcycle but was pursued by its owners. In an attempt to evade capture, he discarded the motorcycle, brandished a knife, and attacked some of his pursuers.
Witness reports indicate that despite his aggression, the crowd managed to overpower him. Following his capture, the residents resorted to using tyres to set him on fire. One witness recounted, “He had succeeded in taking the motorcycle, but people saw him immediately and started running after him. When he saw that he would be caught, he stopped, abandoned the bike, and brought out a knife to stab people. But the crowd eventually overpowered him, and he was set ablaze.”
Efforts to obtain a comment from the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. This incident highlights the growing concern regarding vigilantism and public safety in the region.
The incident involving the suspected motorcycle thief in Niger State exemplifies the dire consequences of vigilantism. Community members, frustrated with crime, have shown a willingness to take extreme measures, leading to tragic outcomes. The inability of law enforcement to respond effectively raises critical questions about public safety and the need for reforms in the justice system.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
