3 robbery suspects burnt to death in Calabar

By Ike Uchechukwu
CALABAR—Three suspected armed robbers were in the early hours of Thursday burnt to death by unknown persons in Calabar South Local Government Area, LGA of Cross River for alleged robbery and sundry crimes in the locality.

Vanguard learned that residents of the area woke up to see the charred remains of three young men burnt beyond recognition at various locations in the area.

The incident Vanguard gathered, occurred in three different locations including popular Ekpo-Abasi in front of CRUTECH gate, Ekpo Abasi by Yellow Duke Street and Umoh Orok Street all in Calabar South LGA of the state.

However, investigations showed that it was a coordinated operation by a vigilante group in the area because of the consistent robbery attacks.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard that for about a year now, some boys have been disturbing the peace of their neighbourhood and operate by moving in groups of 30, sometimes with vehicles.

He said: “We have been on their trail, monitoring them and their modus operandi. We are also aware some of the gang members come from Atakpa Street, Commercial Street and some part of Jebbs to operate at Ekpo Abasi and environment, because you must have insiders who know the route and the area very well for them to succeed.

“Most times they number up to 30 and even come with vans to pack their loot.

“We decided to organise ourselves. Based on the information we had, we alerted other vigilantes in the area to be on the lookout and we were ready for them at different points to make sure they did not escape.

“We got three of them and we did not spare them because that was what we have decided.

“Over time, we discovered that when they are handed over to the Police, its either they are released on bail or set free by the court in no time.

“So they were severely dealt with and burnt beyond recognition to serve as a deterrent to others who are still in the area, because we know there are still many of them here. We believe that they have got our message that there won’t be any sacred cow this time.

“We know that the Police is trying, the state government is also doing its best. But they are lacking in terms of personnel.”

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, said it was unfortunate that jungle justice was applied in that manner to bring the three suspects to book, saying they should have been handed over to the Police.