The Ebonyi Police Command has confirmed the lynching of a commercial motorcyclist, Francis Uroh, by a mob for stealing a motorcycle.
DSP George Okafor, Ebonyi Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, that the incident occurred at Afikpo North LGA of the state.
According to him, the police stormed the scene on receiving the information and took the victim to a nearby hospital where he later died.
“We have arrested the man who claimed to be the motorcycle owner while efforts have been intensified to apprehend others suspects on the run.
“We have commenced investigations into the incident and assured the public that all those found culpable would be prosecuted,” he said.
A witness told NAN that Uro, a native of Amasiri community, had conveyed a passenger to Ehugbo, a nearby community where he met his death.
“Someone stated shouting that he had seen his stolen motorcycle and this attracted the attention of fellow commercial motorcyclists and youths who surrounded Uroh.
“They started beating him despite his plea of innocence and when they discovered that he was lifeless, everybody fled the scene,” he said.
The Caretaker Chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Chief Oko Enyim, condemned the incident and said that the council would ensure that the perpetrators were prosecuted.
“Youths of Amasiri where the victim hails from mobilised for reprisal attacks but I quickly intervened. The person who sold the motorcycle to the deceased has escaped from the community on hearing of the incident,” he said.
Chief Idu Igariwey (PDP-Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency) also condemned the killing and blamed the youths for taking laws into their hands.
Igariwey, in a statement, said that the youths should have reported the incident to law enforcement agents rather than take laws into their own hand.
“I charge relevant agencies to apprehend and prosecute all those involved in the act to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement read. (NAN)
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