Middle-Aged Man Clubbed to Death Over Attempted Robbery in Calabar

Unidentified suspect dies after mob attack on Ikom Street; police confirm investigation underway.

A yet-to-be-identified middle-aged man was beaten to death by an angry mob on Ikom Street in Calabar, Cross River State, after he allegedly broke into a house and attempted to rob its occupants in the early hours of Friday .

The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 am. According to eyewitnesses, the suspect also attempted to sexually assault a female occupant of the apartment, but she resisted and raised an alarm, drawing the attention of neighbors in nearby units .

Residents quickly mobilized, blocked the suspect's escape route, and overpowered him. He was reportedly dragged to the main Ikom Street where he was held by the furious crowd .

An eyewitness recounted that the man confessed to the attempted robbery while being restrained. However, the situation escalated when he allegedly attempted to escape, prompting neighbors to attack him with clubs, wooden planks, and iron objects. He was beaten into unconsciousness and later succumbed to his injuries .

"Initially, we wanted to wait for the arrival of police officers, but the suspect tried to escape. That's why angry neighbors descended on him mercilessly with clubs and other objects," an eyewitness stated .

Police Reaction

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the incident. The Command's Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said operatives have commenced investigations into both the attempted robbery and the circumstances surrounding the suspect's death. He stated that an official statement would be issued in due course .

This incident marks another case of jungle justice in Calabar, which has seen a pattern of mob attacks against suspected criminals . Earlier this year, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Afegbua, strongly condemned mob action and emphasized 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 body of the deceased has reportedly been recovered by authorities as investigations continue .