Mob beats 2 to death over okra theft

Two persons have been reportedly beaten to death in the Polosa area on the outskirts of Suleja town in Niger State over okra theft. Zakari Garba, Secretary of vigilantes in Suleja, confirmed the incident to our reporter on Tuesday.  He stated that one of the victims, Muhammad Sani, went to a farm in the area […]

Two persons have been reportedly beaten to death in the Polosa area on the outskirts of Suleja town in Niger State over okra theft.

Zakari Garba, Secretary of vigilantes in Suleja, confirmed the incident to our reporter on Tuesday. 

He stated that one of the victims, Muhammad Sani, went to a farm in the area on Sunday and attempted to steal okra, adding that unknown to him, the owner of the farm was present.

According to Garba, the farmer raised an alarm and chased the victim into the community, where he was identified. It was also alleged that he was mentally unstable.

“He was beaten up by some youths, and the farmer left him behind along with a sack he had used to carry the vegetables,” Garba explained. “Unfortunately, after the farmer left, the youths confronted the person who had said the victim was mentally ill. They beat up the man and then set both individuals ablaze. The man, who was not known to the community, died instantly, while the first victim was taken to the Suleja General Hospital for medical attention but he died on Monday,” the vigilante scribe said.

Some residents, who spoke with our reporter, said Polosa and the neighbouring Chaza community in Suleja have experienced bandit attacks, leading to suspicion of any strange movement in the area.

Our reporter further learned that some youths from the Suleja metropolis, where one of the victims was said to hail from, stormed the community and attempted to retaliate but were overpowered by the combined efforts of the police and local security vigilantes.

When contacted, the Suleja Police Area Commander, ACP Muhammad Sani Musa, confirmed the incident, adding that the situation was brought under control and five suspects from the community have been arrested.