The family of a 20-year-old man allegedly killed by a mob at Lanja in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region is demanding justice for their son.
The young man died on Sunday, December 7, at the Yendi Hospital after he was reportedly attacked by a group of youths over allegations that he had stolen fowls.
According to reports, the deceased was allegedly spotted at Bakpaba Market, a nearby community, attempting to sell the birds. When the owners identified him, he reportedly fled. Later that evening, the youths allegedly ambushed him on the road and severely assaulted him. He was rushed to Yendi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
One suspect has since been arrested and is currently in police custody at Yendi. The family has told Channel One News that they want the law to take its course.
“Our son went out on Sunday and never returned. We began searching for him and were later informed by some community members that they had seen him being beaten by certain individuals. They gave us details of the incident, and when I went to the location, I found my child unconscious.
Nobody came to inform our family about what had happened, and we only learned of his death at the hospital. We reported the matter to the police, and the suspect has since been arrested. We want the law to take its course. We want justice for our son,” Yakubu Mohammed, uncle to the deceased, said.
Meanwhile, the family of the suspect has confirmed that an unfortunate incident occurred and has appealed for forgiveness. They acknowledged that the deceased had allegedly stolen the fowls but claimed he fell from a motorbike while being transported after his arrest. They urged the victim’s family for understanding, emphasizing that both families belong to the same community.
The Assembly Member for the Lanja Electoral Area, Bayetiwan Emmanuel, told Channel One News that he was unwell and at the hospital at the time of the incident. He appealed for calm and urged that the incident should not affect unity and cooperation within the community.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in custody.
