Mob lynches man for stealing chicken

A man, identified simply as Victor, has been lynched for allegedly stealing a chicken in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The incident was said to have happened on Tuesday around Abitu Avenue, Calabar South.

Eyewitnesses said the victim, who was alleged to be a serial thief in the area, was caught in the act.

PUNCH Metro learnt that a mob gathered disused tyres, placed them around his neck and set him ablaze.

Victor allegedly specialised in stealing car batteries, generators and chickens.

It was learnt that some vigilantes had caught him in the past and cautioned him.

Sources said when he was caught on Tuesday, he was not spared.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

He, however, said he had not been officially briefed.

Ugbo said, “I am aware, but I have not been briefed about what happened. As of the time they called me that somebody was being lynched, the Divisional Police Officer was going there. I am waiting for his report.”