Angry mob lynches suspected armed robber in Benue

An angry mob on Wednesday lynched a suspected armed robber in the Modern Market area of Makurdi, Benue State.

The suspect was reportedly caught in the act of stealing from a Pentecostal church located behind the market around 3:30 pm.

It was alleged that the suspect had gained access to the church building, broken into one of the church offices, and stolen several items before his luck ran out.

Some local youths, believing the suspect to be part of a notorious three-member armed robbery gang terrorising the area, apprehended him and beat him to death.

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Residents in the area revealed that the gang had been frequently blocking roads during the early hours of the morning to rob unsuspecting victims of their personal belongings.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.

Speaking through her deputy, Harry Ekwo, Anene noted that the police had not yet confirmed whether the deceased was indeed a robber, as no formal report had been made regarding the theft at the church.