Angry youths burn suspected armed robber to death in Benue

Anngryyouths set ablaze a suspected armed robber in the Makurdi Modern Market area of Makurdi, Benue State.

Reports said the suspect was lynched after breaking into two shops around 3:30 am and attacking other residents at 5 am on Friday. He was reportedly part of a robbery gang, but the others managed to escape.

An eyewitness, Peters Abo, recounted the events: “The suspect and his accomplices successfully robbed a paint shop, carting away several valuables. They then targeted a Bet9ja shop to rob a victim. However, residents in the vicinity raised an alarm, catching the attention of local youths. The robbers were chased away but continued their spree in another location.”

“The gang had earlier robbed and shot an unidentified person, stealing a motorcycle at Naka Road before heading to Ankpa Ward Road to rob another shop. The youths pursued them and caught one of the robbers. The others escaped, but this one was not so lucky. Initially, the mob attacked him with stones and other objects, but they couldn’t penetrate his body. Eventually, they set him ablaze by placing a tire around his neck.”

The incident occurred in the presence of a police patrol team, who arrived while the youths were beating the suspect. According to Abo, the police recognized the criminal and mentioned his involvement in multiple armed robbery cases, but did not intervene.

As of press time, attempts to reach the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or text messages.