Two suspected armed robbers burnt to death in Onitsha

Two persons suspected to be armed robbers were on Wednesday burnt to death in Onitsha, Anambra State.

In a video that had gone viral, bystanders were seen screaming as some people poured more fuel on the two men, who were struggling and writhing in pains as the fire burnt them.

Some bystanders at the scene were seen crying while fuel was poured on the men, but others hit the suspected thieves with heavy sticks to stop them from escaping from the fire.

Reacting to the development, the Anambra Police Command condemned the jungle justice, but described the suspects as notorious armed robbers.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has condemned the act and reiterated his call for members of the public to always take criminal offenders to the nearest Police Station for necessary policing actions, particularly the conduct of appropriate investigations.

“The CP has, therefore, ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.”

He, however, added, “Meanwhile, preliminary information reveals that the two male suspects, who were later simply identified as Omaume and Monday, are members of a notorious armed robbery gang led by one Ikanda another notorious robber who is presently being remanded in the Onitsha Correctional Service Custodial Centre.

“The gang is alleged to be responsible for several acts of attack and the dispossession of traders and unsuspecting victims of their personal belongings at the Main Market, Onitsha.”