By Sar Terver
Angry mob in Gboko, Benue State, on Sunday lynched and set ablaze a man accused of stealing a Bajaj motorcycle.
The incident followed days of mounting anger after commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) staged mass protests over the recent killings of several of their members by suspected bike-snatchers.
On Friday, hundreds of okada riders congregated from early morning, racing in long convoys, lighting bonfires and chanting war songs in Gboko to protest the alleged murder of four of their colleagues and the ongoing snatching of motorcycles.
According to a rider, James Iortim, “the attack on Okada riders and snatching of our bikes in Gboko has become a daily occurrence. Last night, four of our members were killed and their motorcycles stolen.”
The protest appeared to have heightened tensions. Less than 24 hours later, a suspected motorcycle thief allegedly killed an okada rider and made off with his bike, setting off the mob’s reaction.
While the suspect was chased and apprehended, the mob beat him and set him on fire, depicting scenes of flame and fury captured by witnesses. Some reports suggest the victim was mistakenly identified as the thief and had attempted to flee, losing control of his bike in the chase.
Witnesses described how riders and youths, already on edge following the protest, joined the confrontation; social-media footage circulating showed the flames and frightened scene, underlining the depth of frustration in the community.
The mob’s action underscores the desperation of okada riders who feel unprotected by security agencies, yet it also plunges the situation into extra-judicial territory.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Torseer Yina, expressed regret over the killings of the riders and the burning of the suspect, and stated that an emergency security meeting has been convened to apprehend those behind the attacks.
The Tiv traditional council during its mega meeting of all Tiv sons and daughters, Ijirtamen, presided over by the paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, on Saturday also condemned the stealing of motorcycles in the state and warned against the act.
In the meantime, the spokesman of the Nigeria Police Command in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed calm had returned to the town but said investigations were ongoing and cautioned against jungle justice.
