A young man, identified as Thankgod, found himself at the center of a vigilante-style justice incident when he was caught, severely beaten, and tied up with a rope after allegedly committing theft in Calabar.
The incident, which has sparked conversations about justice and public safety, unfolded at Army Estate, 8miles, on Thursday, August 17, 2023. According to reports by concerned citizens and corroborated by eyewitnesses, the suspect, Thankgod, had been involved in a series of thefts prior to his apprehension.
Facebook user, Sly Silva, took to social media to share the shocking incident. Silva narrated that the young man had initially stolen a generator set, an act that did not go unnoticed by the vigilant residents of the area. However, it seems that Thankgod was undeterred by his previous encounter with the law.
In a daring move, Thankgod reportedly returned to the same vicinity and this time, was caught red-handed attempting to steal a water meter. Unfortunately for him, his luck ran out as the eagle-eyed community members recognized him and decided to take matters into their own hands.
As word of the alleged thief’s capture spread, a crowd gathered, and emotions escalated. Reports indicate that Thankgod was subjected to a mob beating, resulting in severe injuries. Images shared on social media portray a grim scene, with the suspect visibly injured and bound with a rope.
Thankgod’s identity as a resident of Ekori community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State was revealed. The incident has sparked discussions on the methods used to apprehend and discipline suspected criminals, with some condemning the use of mob justice.
This incident once again raises questions about the role of law enforcement and the community in ensuring public safety. While some argue that the alleged thief deserved to face the consequences of his actions, others emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and allowing proper legal processes to take place.
As investigations into the incident continue, Calabar residents and concerned citizens are left contemplating the fine line between justice and vigilantism. The case of Thankgod serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding crime prevention and punishment, and the importance of finding a balance between community action and the legal system.