Two individuals, Ubong Ossom and Christian Effiong, suspected of theft and hailing from Ikot Edebe and Nung Atai Okobo villages in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, were almost victims of mob violence on Tuesday.
The situation was defused when law enforcement stepped in to prevent the mob from carrying out their violent intentions.
This disclosure was made yesterday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Odiko MacDon, as stated in a press release to newsmen.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Odiko MacDon, expressed his concern about the alarming trend in the state, pointing out that both incidents took place before 12 noon on Tuesday.
Stressing the seriousness of the matter, Mr. Odiko MacDon restated the warning issued by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, to the perpetrators, advising them to stop their activities or face the full force of the law.
His words: ‘Before 12 noon of today, the 18th day of July 2023, the Akwa Ibom State Police command had rescued two victims of jungle justice.’
‘One Ubong Sunny Ossom of Ikot Edebe village in Nsit Atai LGA who stole 2 bottles of campari at Godslight Supermarket, Ekpene Ukim, in Uruan LGA and one Christian Effiong of Nung Atai okobo village in Okobo LGA who stole a generator at mount zion church Ikot Ambon in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA were both rescued at the verge of being burnt after they were caught for stealing.’
‘This trend is becoming too frequent and alarming. Stop jungle justice. It is a travesty of justice.’
‘Whereas the Command condemns in totality the act of stealing which is a crime, subjecting the perpetrators to jungle justice is not in tandem with our legal system.’
‘The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi has therefore warned perpetrators to desist forthwith or face arrest and prosecution.’