PORT HARCOURT: Tension erupted in a business area after two men were reportedly caught attempting to flee with a stolen truck battery, only to be intercepted by residents who quickly raised an alarm. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects had allegedly removed the heavy-duty battery from a parked truck and were trying to escape the area when their movements were noticed by passersby.
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The situation escalated within minutes as shouts of “thief” drew the attention of more residents, leading to a large crowd converging on the scene. The suspects were overpowered before they could get far, and in the chaos that followed, an angry mob descended on them, beating them before security operatives were alerted.
Vigilante say the incident happened in the early hours, a time when movement is usually low, which made the suspects’ actions more noticeable. Some residents claimed the truck owner had briefly stepped away from the vehicle before discovering that the battery had been removed.
Security personnel eventually arrived at the scene and managed to restore order, taking control of the situation and ensuring the suspects were not further harmed. The injured individuals were reportedly taken for medical attention while investigations are expected to continue.
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Authorities have since urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing that suspects should be handed over to law enforcement for proper investigation and due process. The incident has once again raised concerns about rising cases of street justice and public reactions to theft-related crimes.
Meanwhile, the stolen truck battery was recovered at the scene and has been secured as evidence as police continue efforts to determine whether the suspects acted alone or are part of a larger network involved in vehicle parts theft.
