The Cross River State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit has apprehended three persons said to have been involved in a mob action against a suspected armed robber in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Following police intervention, the suspect was rescued after being severely beaten to the point of death by the angry mob.

A release from the State Police Command dated 25 January, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 25 January, against a suspected armed robber who allegedly attempted to rob a lady in Calabar.

The release said the operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

The police explained that one of the mob was in possession of the firearm, which he alleged was taken from the suspect.

The suspect, the police said, “was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, (and) was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.

“Unfortunately, the victim, yet to be identified, was pronounced dead at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.”

The police said the three suspects involved in the mob attack “are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

“The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues.”

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

While reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime, CP Afegbua strongly condemned mob action and emphasised that “suspects apprehended by private individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.”

The Command reassured the people of the state of its unwavering resolve to ensure safety and security throughout and further appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. (The Guardian, excluding headline)