Tenants and neighbours of a landlord, Obong Ete, in Calabar South, Cross River State, took the law into their hands on Sunday, beating him mercilessly for alleged theft.
The landlord, in his 30s, TRIBUNE ONLINE gathered, was accused of terrorising his tenants and stealing their belongings, including food items and household valuables.
According to residents, Obong Ete’s actions had become a recurring problem, with many attempts to reform him failing.
“He has been doing this for a long time, and it’s good that he’s finally been publicly disgraced.
“Many times, youth leaders and vigilante groups have traced stolen items to his apartment, and beaten him up,” said John Akpan, a resident.
The tenants and neighbours, who were preparing for Sunday worship, confronted Obong Ete and subjected him to a severe beating, using horse whips, canes, and planks.
After the beating, the youth leaders forced him to swear an oath that he would not continue to steal or terrorise them.
Obong Ete, who was left battered and bruised, apologised for his actions and promised to change his ways.
He also agreed that if he ever stole again, his neighbours were free to mete out any measures deemed fit.
The youth leaders also suspected a young man who cohabited with Obong Ete of being an accomplice and forced him out of the landlord’s apartment, warning him never to return to the community.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, condemned the brutalisation of Obong Ete, advising that such cases should always be handed over to the police.
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