Two suspected phone thieves were set ablaze by an irate mob on Friday in Plateau State.

The incident occurred in the Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of the day.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects were attacking passersby and road users with weapons, robbing them of phones and other valuables.

Angered by the incident, onlookers reportedly mustered the courage to pursue them.

While some of the suspects managed to escape, two were caught and set ablaze by the mob.

A resident of the Kabong community, Mathew Ignatius, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH, saying: “It happened this Friday morning. Some persons suspected to be cultists were attacking people and collecting their phones and money.

“This wasn’t the first time they had been terrorising the community, especially in the early mornings, at noon, and late evenings, seizing valuables like phones, laptops, and money.

This morning, when they struck again, a mob gathered and gave them a hot chase. They caught two suspects and burnt them immediately, while others escaped.”

Reacting to the incident, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred.

The statement read: “The Plateau State Police Command received a disheartening report in the early hours of today, November 29, 2024, about a mob action in Jenta Adamu, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The report received through a distress call from a concerned citizen, indicated that at approximately 9:20 a.m., a group of yet-to-be-identified cult members invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings.

“In response, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division, Jos, to deploy officers and detectives to the scene and commence an investigation.”

The police added, “Upon arrival, our team discovered that an angry mob had pursued the invaders, attacked them, and set two individuals ablaze.

“The police, in collaboration with the leadership of Jos North Local Government Area, evacuated the charred bodies and deposited them at a hospital morgue. Two locally fabricated pistols, believed to belong to the suspected cultists, were recovered from the scene.

“While the police strongly condemn the activities of armed robbers and cultists, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, equally condemns the execution of jungle justice. As a civilised society, citizens are urged to hand over suspects to the relevant security agencies to ensure justice is served in accordance with the Plateau State Penal Code.

“The CP warns that any individual or group found engaging in jungle justice will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“We urge members of the public to remain calm as the command has implemented effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state.” (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)