Two suspected phone thieves met a tragic end on Friday morning when an angry mob set them ablaze in the Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects had been attacking passersby and road users with weapons, stealing phones, money, and other valuables. The incident, which occurred in the early hours, escalated as onlookers, fed up with repeated attacks, decided to take matters into their own hands.
Mathew Ignatius, a resident of Kabong, confirmed the incident. He described how the community had endured frequent robberies.
“This morning, some persons suspected to be cultists attacked people, seizing their phones and money. This wasn’t the first time they’ve terrorised us, especially in the mornings, at noon, and in the evenings. They take valuables like phones, laptops, and money,” Ignatius said
He added, “When they struck again today, a mob chased them down. Two were caught and burnt immediately, while others managed to escape.”
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The Plateau State Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred, confirmed the development.
“The Plateau State Police Command received a disheartening report about a mob action in Jenta Adamu, Jos North Local Government Area. At around 9:20 a.m., a group of yet-to-be-identified cult members attempted to rob residents. The mob pursued and attacked them, setting two individuals ablaze,” the statement read.
The police disclosed that they recovered two locally fabricated pistols at the scene, believed to belong to the suspected criminals. The charred bodies were evacuated and deposited at a hospital morgue in collaboration with the leadership of Jos North Local Government Area.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, condemned both the criminal activities and the mob’s decision to enact jungle justice.
“As a civilised society, we must hand over suspects to the appropriate security agencies to ensure justice is served through legal means,” Adesina said.
He warned that anyone found participating in jungle justice would face legal consequences.
The police assured residents that measures were being implemented to enhance security and prevent further incidents.
“We urge the public to remain calm and to work with security agencies to combat crime in the state,” the statement concluded.
The Kabong community and other areas in Jos North have reportedly faced a surge in crime, particularly from armed robbers and suspected cultists. The lack of immediate action against these activities has led to frustration and fear among residents.