Police investigate deaths of two men after mob attack

The Cross River State Police Command has started looking into the deaths of two men who were reportedly attacked by a mob on suspicion of robbery in Calabar South.

The incident took place along Ekpo Obasi, close to Yellow Duke, in the early hours of Sunday, according to the police spokesperson in the state, Sunday Eitokpah.

Mr Eitokpah explained that early details suggested that the men were caught and attacked by the mob after being suspected of robbery.

"Police operatives visited the scene, documented the incident and commenced preliminary investigations to find out what happened and identify the deceased."

The bodies of the men were taken away from the scene with help from local government authorities for proper preservation, the police said.

Mr Eitokpah did not say if anyone had been arrested in connection with this incident or give details about the alleged robbery.

The police urged the public to stop taking the law into their own hands. They advised that suspected criminals should be handed over to the police or other legal authorities for proper investigation and prosecution.

"No individual has the right to take the law into their own hands," the police stated.

The command promised to share more information as the investigation continues.

This latest incident follows a series of reported deaths and suspected murder cases in Cross River State.

Just days before, the police began an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong Ita, whose body was discovered next to a Honda City vehicle along the Target, Udy King road in Calabar.

Mr Ita was found with a chest injury, but the police mentioned that investigations are still ongoing to clarify how he died.

These cases have raised alarms about violent deaths and the need for thorough investigations and legal action against suspected offenders in the state.

Regarding Sunday’s incident, the police said their inquiry will focus on what caused the deaths of the two men and help identify them.

The command called on residents to work with law enforcement and avoid taking justice into their own hands.