Two armed robbery suspects, specialized in using tricycle (Keke Napep) to rob unsuspecting passengers, were killed with one other severely injured after they were seriously beating by an angry mob following a failed robbery attempt.
The victims were: Nsikan Phillip, 23 years from Akwa Ibom State, Lucky Iniokpo Lucky, 21 years and 18 years, Perekebina both from Toru-Ebeni community in Sagbama Local government Area, of Bayelsa state.
DAILY POST, learnt that the incident, which occurred at Dimrose street, in Biogbolo community, of Yenagoa LGA, at about 11pm, Wednesday night, threw the entire street into excitement.
The suspects, it was also gathered, were caught by local vigilantes, who voluntarily keep watch on different streets due to the incessant spate of robbery attacks in the state.
An eyewitness, name withheld, said, “We had earlier saw the tricycle parade the area when I was going to the Dimrose junction to buy something from the store, though I didn’t suspect them but because of the way Bayelsa is we are always on red alert.
“I think the vigilante group were alerted and despite their guns and other weapons they were able to grab them, and everyone came out to mob them. I believe two died instantly by the beating and brutality from angry residents but even the one that appears alive may not survive death.”
He added that the security situation in the state was so alarming that residents even protect themselves more than they could be protected by security agents.
“The people of the state resorted to jungle Justice in the past and we recorded great result because there was a wave in crime rate but for some time again I think they are back. We don’t sleep with our eyes closed, there’s hardly no day you don’t hear of robbery incident.
“It appears the state government has left us to our fate, and its only God that protects, so we are always careful and vigilant in Yenagoa,” the eyewitness told our correspondent.
When contacted, the state command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Asimin Butswat, said he was not in town at the moment but will reach the command and revert on the incident before the end of the day.