A landlord, Obong Ete, in Calabar South, Cross River State, has been publicly flogged by his tenants and neighbours for his repeated acts of burglary and theft.
The brutal beating was a culmination of the community’s frustration with Ete’s nocturnal activities, which had gone unchecked for a long time.
“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,” said John Akpan, a resident.
The tenants and neighbours, who had had enough of Ete’s antics, decided to take matters into their own hands. They caught him in the act and subjected him to a severe beating, using horse whips, canes, and planks.
“We learnt from his family people that he once stole from a church, and worshippers laid curses on him. Perhaps these curses are affecting him. Other neighbours whom he has burgled their homes have also been cursing him, too,” said Magdalene Effiom, a tenant.
After the beating, the youth leaders forced Ete to swear an oath that he would not continue to steal or terrorize his tenants and neighbours. They also warned him that if he ever stole again, they would mete out severe punishment.
“I am sorry for stealing. I swear that I will not continue to steal again,” Ete said, battered and bruised.
The police have disapproved of the brutalization, advising that such cases should always be handed over to the authorities.
