In Onitsha, Anambra State, a mob set two suspected thugs on fire between Sokoto Road and the Main Market.
It was learned that the incident took place on Wednesday at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The accused were lynched by the mob before they were set ablaze, according to local eyewitnesses.
“Those boys approached the tricycle operator as he was about to move, trying to take his money before the mob descended on them, lynched them, and set them on fire,” the source claimed. “The tricycle operator had dropped a passenger and his goods in the market.”
All of the market leaders who were contacted refused to comment on the development, therefore attempts to speak with them were unsuccessful.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, a spokesman for the state police, verified the event when reached.
Ikenga further stated that Aderemi Adeoye, the state commissioner of police, has denounced the act and restated his appeal for the public to always transport criminals to the closest police station so that the appropriate measures can be taken.
He declared, “CP Aderemi Adeoye, the Commissioner of Police, has denounced the act and restated his appeal for members of the public to consistently transport violators to the closest police station for essential policing measures, especially the execution of suitable investigations.
As a result, the CP has mandated a comprehensive inquiry of the occurrence.
Meanwhile, early reports indicated that the two male suspects—later simply identified as Monday and Omaume—are already detained in the Correctional Service Custodial Center and are part of a well-known armed robbery group that is led by a male by the name of Itanda.
“The group is suspected of carrying out multiple assaults and displacing vendors and unwary individuals from their personal possessions at the Onitsha Main Market.”