Suspected thieves set on fire in Plateau

Two thieves suspected to have stolen phones, were on Friday, set on fire by an irate mob in Plateau State.

The incident was reported to have occurred in the Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of the day.

According to eyewitness, the suspects were attacking passersby and road users with weapons, robbing them of phones and other valuables.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred.

He noted that the Command had received a distress call from a citizen, reporting that a group of yet-to-be-identified cult members invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings.

He however stated that upon arrival of the police, the angry mob had pursued the invaders, attacked them, and set two individuals ablaze.

“While the police strongly condemn the activities of armed robbers and cultists, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, equally condemns the execution of jungle justice. As a civilised society, citizens are urged to hand over suspects to the relevant security agencies to ensure justice is served in accordance with the Plateau State Penal Code.

“The CP warns that any individual or group found engaging in jungle justice will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement added.