Angry youths have set a suspected motorcycle thief ablaze in Agbor town, Ika South Local Council of Delta State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 22, caused apprehension in the community as the charred body of the suspect was abandoned at the spot after the incident.
The Guardian learnt that there have been series of reported robberies in the area, especially the theft of motorcycles by suspected criminals, who attack unsuspecting members of the public and cart away their bikes and other valuables.
According to a source, the arrested thieves are usually handed over to a local security outfit, called Agbor Gha-Ihun, headed by Comrade Monday Kiyem, who would in turn hand them over to the police.
However, it was learnt that the angry mob took laws into their hands and embarked on jungle justice when the crime persisted.
The Guardian gathered that stealing and criminality have been going on in Agbor and environs unchecked as most victims were either killed or dispossessed of their valuables.
Reacting to the incident, a resident, Mabel Azubuike, said: “It was sad, but this was how they stole my husband’s four-month old CG bike that he packed outside, just to collect something inside the house. The motorcycle disappeared before he came out. It was like a film. Till date, we haven’t recovered from the experience.”
Another resident, Joy Blessed, said: “I don’t know what to say because my mother and sister were robbed on Saturday night by robbers, and they collected her phone and almost shot them. It was by God’s grace that they were saved.”
When contacted, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edafe Bright, who confirmed the incident, said he was yet to get details of the identity of the victim.
