Two suspected one-chance robbers met a brutal end in the Lugbe area of Abuja on Saturday as an enraged mob beat them to death before setting their vehicle on fire.
The incident occurred after the suspects allegedly threw a victim out of their moving vehicle, sparking outrage among witnesses who pursued the fleeing criminals.
According to eyewitnesses, the dramatic chase ended near Dunamis Church, where the mob cornered the suspects and exacted swift, deadly justice.
One commercial driver, identified as Ahmed, recounted the horrifying scene, saying, “What happened was that after a victim of one chance was thrown out of a moving vehicle, some people chased the vehicle and caught up with them after Dunamis Church. Inside the vehicle, there were three people. One managed to escape, the other died, and the last one was in critical condition after he was beaten. I heard he later died.”
The mob, consumed by anger, set the suspects’ vehicle ablaze, leaving it in smoldering ruins.
Victim Hospitalized by Good Samaritans
The victim who was thrown out of the moving vehicle was rushed to the hospital by some Good Samaritans, who acted swiftly to provide medical assistance.
Details about the victim’s identity and medical condition were not immediately available.
Police Yet to Respond
Efforts to get an official statement from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, promised to provide details but had not responded to inquiries.
Rising Concern Over One-Chance Robberies
This incident has once again highlighted the growing menace of one-chance robberies in Abuja.
One-chance robbers typically pose as commercial vehicle operators, tricking unsuspecting passengers before robbing them of their valuables.
The Lugbe area has witnessed several such incidents in recent times, leading to heightened tension among residents.
According to locals, these criminals often target busy routes, using violence and intimidation to carry out their attacks.
A resident of Lugbe, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “These one-chance people have made life difficult for us. We are scared to enter taxis because you don’t know who is real and who is a criminal.”
Mob Justice: A Growing Concern
The violent death of the suspects has sparked debates about mob justice in Nigeria.
While some argue that the mob’s action was justified due to frustration over rising crime rates, others have condemned the act, emphasizing the need for the rule of law.
Human rights activist, Chidi Nwafor, criticized the mob action, saying, “Mob justice is not the answer. We must allow the law to take its course. If we continue like this, innocent people may fall victim to jungle justice.”
Call for Police Action
With rising insecurity in the FCT, residents have called on the police to intensify efforts in curbing crime, particularly one-chance robberies.
A community leader in Lugbe urged the authorities to increase patrols and surveillance in crime-prone areas.
He said, “We need more police presence. If the security agencies were more proactive, this situation would not have escalated to this level.”
Government’s Stance on Vigilante Actions
The Nigerian government has consistently warned against mob justice, urging citizens to report crime to law enforcement agencies.
In 2023, the Inspector General of Police stated, “Taking the law into your hands is illegal. We must follow due process to ensure justice is served.”
Awaiting Police Investigation
As of now, the FCT Police Command is yet to officially comment on the incident or provide updates on the escapee.
SP Josephine Adeh’s delayed response has left many questions unanswered, including the identity of the suspects and the condition of the hospitalized victim.
The public eagerly awaits further details as the investigation unfolds.
