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A tragic incident has stirred tension in Okop Ndua Erong, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where a young man identified as Victor Akpabio was reportedly lynched by a mob after being accused of engaging in an extramarital affair with a pregnant married woman.
TJ News Nigeria learned that the unfortunate event occurred on Thursday afternoon and has since sparked intense debate over rising insecurity, mob justice, and moral decay in local communities.
Alleged Affair Turns Deadly
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According to eyewitnesses who spoke under the condition of anonymity, Victor Akpabio, a native of Ididep in Ibiono Ibom, was allegedly caught in a compromising situation with a woman identified as Esther Akpabio Effiong, said to be the seven-month pregnant wife of a local businessman popularly known as Mulgu.
Community sources told TJ News Nigeria that tempers flared after the duo was allegedly discovered in what was described as “a highly inappropriate setting.” Chaos ensued, and an angry crowd reportedly descended on the young man.
He was allegedly assaulted, doused with hot water, and severely beaten. Despite attempts by some bystanders to intervene, Victor reportedly died from the injuries he sustained during the mob attack.
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Community Reaction and Police Response
The violent nature of the incident has thrown the community into mourning and confusion. Many residents expressed dismay over the resort to jungle justice rather than allowing law enforcement to handle the situation.
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“This is a breakdown of law and order,” said a local youth leader, who condemned the actions of the mob. “Even if someone is guilty of a moral offence, it does not warrant taking the law into our hands.”
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report. However, residents are calling for a swift investigation and for those involved in the mob action to be brought to justice.
Rising Security Concerns in Akwa Ibom and Delta States
This incident is the latest in a troubling trend of increasing insecurity and mob violence across the South-South region of Nigeria.
Only days earlier, TJ News Nigeria gathered that in Abraka, Delta State, two brothers were reportedly killed under mysterious circumstances, further igniting concerns about the safety of residents and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
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Local security experts are warning that if left unaddressed, the spread of jungle justice and community-led punishments could erode the rule of law.
Civic Leaders Call for Calm and Legal Action
Human rights advocates and civic leaders have weighed in, calling for responsible governance and stronger community policing mechanisms to prevent further tragedies.
“While we understand the anger that moral infractions may provoke, there’s no justification for taking someone’s life without trial,” said Barrister Enobong Essien, a legal analyst based in Uyo. “Mob justice is not justice—it’s criminal.”
Government Urged to Address Root Causes
Many believe that poor access to legal redress, slow judicial processes, and growing moral frustration are contributing to the rise in self-administered justice in local communities.
Civil society organizations are urging the Akwa Ibom State Government and traditional rulers to engage communities on conflict resolution, human rights education, and proper channels for lodging complaints.
The death of Victor Akpabio has become a painful reminder of the dangers of mob action and the urgency of addressing deeper issues plaguing communities in Nigeria.
As investigations continue, calls are mounting for justice—not just for Victor and his grieving family, but also for the rule of law and the sanctity of life.
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