By Ogli Aboje, Makurdi
TWO suspected motorcycle snatchers were reportedly burnt to death at Nyion community of Makurdi, Benue state capital, when they attempted to rob their victim of his motorcycle.
The incident was said to had taken place at about 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Our correspondent learnt that the suspects were apprehended and lynched after the commercial motorcyclist raised an alarm when the two made attempt to rob him.
The witness who simply identified himself as Terna said the ‘okada man’ he picked the two passengers from Katsina-Ala street at the High Level area of Makurdi town.
“They told him to bring them to Nyon, a suburb of Makurdi. He said on getting to Nyon, they directed him into a street which he followed.
“But because it was too late, when he got to a point, the okada man told his passengers to pay him so he can get back but they insisted they don’t have money on them and that they will get the money from the house on getting home.
“While he made to go, they grabbed him and requested that he give them his motorcycle key. As he refused to hand them the keys, they started struggling with him and luck ran out on them when he raised an alarm,” he explained.
Terna lamented that the incidences of motorcycle snatching has become a recurrent event especially in Makurdi metropolis.
He said community members, especially youths have also vowed that culprits would not go free whenever they are caught in the act.
Terna said the youths who came out in their numbers gave the suspected bike robbers a good chase and caught.
It was said that the youths beat the suspects to a pulp before setting them ablaze.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed that she received a report on the incident saying some officers have been detailed to the community to find out what actually happened.
She, however, reiterated the call on the Benue public to desist from taking laws into their hands and advised them to report such issues and persons to the law enforcement agents for necessary action.