A member of a syndicate specialised in stealing motorcycles in Ondo city has been killed and burnt to death by a mob at the Sabo area of the town.
The deceased whose identity is yet to be ascertained had joined his gang to allegedly steal a motorcycle in the area and escaped.
Witnesses said one of the gang members was caught and handed over to the police at Fagun Division.
The deceased was said to have returned to the scene to ask about the arrested suspect when the mob saw him, recognised him and chased him to where he was beaten to stupor and burnt to death.
According to a witness who refused to state her name, “The victim had been in the habit of stealing things like car batteries, generating sets and motorcycles in the area, while residents have been on the lookout for him.
“The deceased never knew that the people were already aware of his illicit activities in the area. Although when he was caught last time by some residents, he was given the last warning, which he obviously did not heed to.
“He came as usual in the early hours of Sunday to steal a motorcycle and injured the motorcyclist,. But the cry of the victim alerted people in the area. So, they mobilised and laid siege for him. He was apprehended on Monday morning, beaten and burnt to death at about 8:30 am.
“The people refused to let him off the hook this time, hence the reason why they didn’t wait too long or hand him over to the police before beating him up and setting him ablaze for his act.”
Another eyewitness who gave his name as Okoro said: “The deceased was fond of petty stealing and constantly harassing residents in the area and in the process had maimed some people.
“Luck, however, ran out on the young Hausa man as he was beaten and set ablaze by other Hausa men in the area.
“The people were after him. So, he attempted to escape but was rounded up by the Hausa people who refused to let him go this time.
Police sources at Fagun Division confirmed the arrest of four persons in connection to the killing of the suspects
The police source said the case has been transferred to the state police headquarters for further investigation. Continue Reading
