Police probe deaths of two men allegedly attacked by mob

The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the deaths of two unidentified men allegedly attacked by a mob over suspected robbery in Calabar South.

The incident occurred along Ekpo Obasi, near Yellow Duke, in the early hours of Sunday, the police spokesperson in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement.

Police begin investigation

Mr Eitokpah said preliminary information indicated that the two men were allegedly apprehended and attacked by a mob after they were suspected of being involved in a robbery.

“Police operatives visited the scene, documented the incident and commenced preliminary investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify the deceased.”

The remains of the men have been evacuated from the scene with the assistance of relevant local government authorities for appropriate preservation, the police added.

Mr Eitokpah did not disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident or provide details of the alleged robbery.

Police warn against jungle justice

The police urged residents to desist from jungle justice and hand suspected offenders over to the police or other lawful authorities for investigation and prosecution.

“No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands,” the police said.

The command said it would provide further details as the investigation progresses.

The latest incident comes amid a series of reported deaths and suspected murder cases in Cross River State.

Days earlier, the command commenced an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong Ita, whose body was found in connection with a Honda City vehicle along the Target–Udy King axis of Calabar.

Mr Ita was found with a chest injury, although the police said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.

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In another recent case, the police arrested a man over the alleged murder of his six-year-old stepdaughter, Goodness Okon, whom he allegedly accused of witchcraft.

The cases have raised concerns over violent deaths and the need for thorough investigations and lawful prosecution of suspected offenders in the state.

For Sunday’s incident, the police said their investigation would establish what led to the deaths of the two men and determine their identities.

The command urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and avoid taking suspected criminals into their own hands.