PHONE THEFT SUSPECTS BURNT TO DEATH BY MOB IN CALABAR

Two men suspected of stealing a mobile phone have been killed by an angry mob in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 30, 2026, along Ekpo Abasi, near Yellow Duke Street, after the two men were allegedly caught attempting to flee with a stolen phone.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects were accused of snatching a mobile phone from a resident before attempting to escape from the area.

A resident, Bassey Etim, said members of the community apprehended the suspects and accused them of being part of a robbery gang that had allegedly been terrorising residents, particularly over the theft of phones and other personal belongings.

The mob reportedly attacked the two men before setting them ablaze. Both victims died at the scene before security operatives could arrive.

Another resident, Effanga Effanga, condemned the killing, describing the use of jungle justice as unacceptable regardless of the offence allegedly committed.

He acknowledged that phone theft and robbery had become a recurring concern in the area but urged the police and other security agencies to take stronger action against criminal elements operating around Ekpo Abasi.

Effanga appealed to security operatives to increase patrols and intelligence gathering in the community to prevent further attacks and restore residents' confidence.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying it received information about the mob action and immediately deployed officers to the location.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said officers found the two unidentified men burnt at the scene.

Police personnel documented the location and commenced preliminary investigations aimed at determining exactly what led to the attack and identifying the deceased.

The remains of the two men were subsequently evacuated with the assistance of relevant local government authorities and taken for appropriate preservation.

The police command strongly condemned the incident, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.

Eitokpah urged members of the public to hand suspected criminals over to the police or other authorised security agencies instead of subjecting them to mob attacks.

The command stressed that suspected offenders have the right to investigation and prosecution through lawful procedures, regardless of the seriousness of the allegations against them.

The police also assured residents that investigations would continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether anyone could be held responsible for the mob action.

The incident has renewed concerns over the growing use of jungle justice in some Nigerian communities, particularly where residents believe criminal activities are not being adequately addressed.

Authorities have therefore called for greater cooperation between communities and security agencies to ensure that suspected criminals are apprehended and prosecuted through the appropriate legal process.