Two armed robbers who had terrorised Atim Edem Rise and Efio Okoho neighborhoods of Calabar South LGA in Cross River State were violently killed yesterday by angry youths.
The names of the suspects were not immediately available at the time this report was filed.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that both resided in the same neighborhoods.
One eyewitness, Reuben Akabom, said that during the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a young man, not more than 35, was caught while burgling a home in the Efio Okoho neighborhood.
Luck ran out for him this time, as the terrorized residents, tired of his persistent robberies, were able to overpower him, according to residents.
“He was dragged to the Efio Okoho junction in front of a private hotel.
“The robber was mercilessly beaten, and they brought condemned tyres, where he was reportedly burnt.”
Our reporter arrived when his charred remains were being evacuated, probably for burial at an undisclosed location.
Another incident had occurred on Saturday on Atim Edem Rise Street, not far from Ibesikpo Road Calabar.
The other suspect was also alleged to be a known criminal who repeatedly robbed and intimidated residents, instilling fear in them.
A youth leader who gave his name as Inyang Ekpenyong explained that when the robber was caught and overpowered, they used the same machete he used in robbing to chop him.
Armed robbery is reported to have resurged in recent times in the Calabar South enclaves.
On Sunday, one Obong Ete, a landlord on Waddel Lane near Mbukpa Road who was known for constantly stealing from his tenants and neighbors, was caught and brought before his tenants, who were asked to take turns flogging him as many times as they desired.
Reacting, the PRO of the state police command, Irene Ugbo, cautioned against jungle justice, advising that all suspects should always be handed over to the police for proper interrogation and prosecution.