NIGERIA Widely known thief and feared member of a criminal gang was caught in the act of trying to steal a motorcycle. Local residents showed him no mercy and took the law into their own hands. They lynched him into unconsciousness and then set him on fire.
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- The thief
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- His dead body
Inhabitants of some poor African regions are extremely sensitive to motorcycle theft. A motorcycle is for many of them their most valuable possession and also a source of livelihood. Attempting to steal it is thus seen by some almost as an attempted murder.
Taking justice into one’s own hands is quite widespread in Nigeria, as well as in other parts of Africa. Locals have no trust in the police, who are often corrupt. Even so, such situations should not be solved with violence. Even a thief has basic human rights, such as the right to a fair trial and punishment according to the law. In similar cases, always call the police instead.
