OWERRI—One of the four- man armed robbery gang that had been terrorizing Ihiagwa in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has been lynched by angry youths.
The deceased, who was identified as Mr. John Nkwocha, was beaten mercilessly into a coma by youths in the community but was later rushed to a nearby hospital where he eventually died.
The late Nkwocha, according to Vanguard investigations, was a native of Okwu Amaeze Obibiezena in Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.
A concerned villager from Amaeze who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard that the deceased was a trained motorcycle mechanic, who had a shop at Amaeze
“He later abandoned his workshop and went into commercial motorcycle transportation business. He also abandoned this transport business and later joined a doubtful group that has now led to his death,” the villager recounted.
Although the villager expressed happiness that the community of bad boys had been reduced by one, he, however, said the police had stepped into the matter.
When contacted on his mobile phone, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed the incident.
“Yes, it is true that a suspected armed robber was lynched at Ihiagwa last Tuesday. The deceased and his gang were in the town to carry out their nefarious act but were caught in their track,” Enwerem said.
He said the others beat a tactical retreat and scampered into safety when they were chased by angry villagers, pointing out that the deceased was not so lucky as he was caught and given jungle justice instantly.
“His lifeless body has been deposited in the morgue and the command has already started serious investigation into the matter,” the PPRO said.
He appealed to anybody that might have any useful hint on how the police would nab fleeing members of the dead man’s gang to feel very free to reach him or the nearest police station.
Vanguard|Nigeria
