The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday rescued two suspected thieves who were on the verge of being lynched by angry mobs according to a press statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, in Uyo.
According to the statement, Ubong Sunny Ossom of Ikot Edebe village in Nsit Atai LGA, who was accused of stealing two bottles of Campari at Godslight Supermarket, Ekpene Ukim, in Uruan LGA, was about to be burnt alive when the police patrol team arrived.
Similarly, Christian Effiong of Nung Atai Okobo village in Okobo LGA, who stole a generator at Mount Zion Church Ikot Ambon in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, was also rescued by police officers as he was about to be burnt alive.
The Police PRO, who kicked against stealing, however, condemned the spate of jungle justice in the state, saying: “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.”
He said Commissioner of Police Olatoye Durosinmi has warned perpetrators to desist forthwith or face arrest and prosecution.