A group of angry youths have set ablaze a suspected robber, who reportedly specializes in stealing phones and other valuables, along Green Villa road in Biogbolo, Yenagoa in Bayelsa State.
According to the residents of the area, the incident occurred around 8.45pm on Wednesday.
They said the suspect, reportedly in his 30s, was caught dispossessing a resident of his mobile phone at gunpoint. He was reportedly chased and later apprehended by some youths in the area.
It was gathered that the suspect had been arrested by the vigilante group sometime in March this year and handed over to the police.
The police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, condemned the mob action.
He said, “On 17 August, 2022 at about 2020 hours, a suspected armed robber allegedly pointed a gun at a resident of Green Villa Road, Biogbolo and robbed him of his Android phone. Angry mob who witnessed the incident chased the suspect, beat him up and burned him to death before the arrival of the police.
“The command cautioned members to the public against taking the law into their own hands. The corpse has been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.”