Residents of Waddel Street in Calabar South, Cross River State, witnessed a shocking incident in the early hours of Thursday October 31, 2024 as a landlord, identified only as Obong Ete, was publicly flogged by his tenants and neighbours.
The 30 year old bachelor was reportedly beaten with horse whips, canes, and even wooden planks in what locals describe as a response to his alleged repeated thefts within the community.
The confrontation unfolded just as residents were preparing to head to their worship places.
According to eyewitnesses, frustrations with Ete had been mounting, with numerous residents accusing him of theft and nighttime disruptions.
John Akpan, a resident of Waddel Street, spoke about the landlord’s alleged history of stealing food items, household goods, and other valuables from his neighbours.
'Obong Ete has been doing this for a long time. It is good that he is again publicly disgraced. He doesn’t want to repent. Many times, youth leaders and vigilante groups have traced stolen items to his apartment and beaten him up".
Other neighbours echoed similar sentiments, with some attributing Ete’s actions to an alleged curse. "We learned from his family that he once stole from a church, and worshippers laid curses on him. Perhaps these curses are affecting him, claimed Magdalene Effiom, one of his tenants. Other neighbours whom he has burglarised have also been cursing him, too"
After the severe beating, youth leaders compelled Ete to swear an oath, vowing to cease any future thefts or disturbances.
Brutalised and visibly shaken, Ete apologised, reportedly swearing, I am sorry for stealing. I swear that I will not continue to steal again. The leaders also warned him that should he be caught stealing again, they would be justified in taking further action.
Youth leaders additionally suspected a young man who had been staying with Ete of being an accomplice. This individual was expelled from Ete’s apartment and cautioned against returning to the community, with threats of police involvement if he disregarded the warning.
Reacting to the incident, Cross River State Police Spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo expressed disapproval of the mob action, urging residents to report such matters to law enforcement instead of taking justice into their own hands, leaving the entire neighborhood in an uns afe state for violence.
