Akwa Ibom Man Escapes Lynching After Theft of Two Goats, Blames Hunger 

A 25-year-old man narrowly escaped lynching in Akwa Ibom State on Sunday after being apprehended with two live goats. The goats were reportedly stolen in Obio Ndot, Oruk Anam Local Government Area. Identified simply as Monday, the accused, who hails from the community but resides in Uyo, was allegedly caught red-handed attempting to abscond with the goats.

According to a community source, Monday, described as an ex-convict, has a history of stealing livestock from the community to sell in Uyo. Recounting the incident, the source stated,

“After being given the beating of his life, petrol was being sourced to roast him alive when elders of the community intervened and called in the police who rescued him.”

As Vanguard reports, this is not the first time Monday has been implicated in such crimes.

The source revealed, “Two years ago, he stole two goats from the community and was caught trying to move them out on a chartered tricycle (Keke), leaving the rider arrested and taken to the police station at Abak Divisional headquarters.”

Upon interrogation, Monday attributed his actions to hunger, expressing remorse and pledging to reform if spared punishment. Confirming the rescue, a senior police officer stated, “Investigation is still ongoing, and he would be handed over to the legal department for prosecution.”

After receiving initial medical attention at a private clinic, Monday is in police custody. While theft remains a criminal offence, this incident sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by individuals grappling with poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria.

Read: SBM Releases State-backed Mass Killings Report

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