Outrage has erupted in Ankpa, Kogi State, following the reported killing of a young man identified as AbdulHahim over allegations of electric cable theft.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in a suburb of Ankpa, headquarters of Ankpa Local Government Area.

A video circulating online shows the young man pleading with his alleged attackers to spare his life, saying he was his mother’s only son.

“Please do not kill me, Alhaji. I am the only son of my mother. Have mercy on me,” he was heard saying in the video.

Details surrounding the incident and the identities of those directly involved remain unclear.

Residents Condemn Alleged Killing

The reported killing has divided opinion among residents, with some condemning the incident as jungle justice, while others argued that people caught stealing should face the consequences of their actions.

However, concerned residents have insisted that allegations of theft do not justify taking a suspect’s life.

A resident, Usman Adejoh, from Agwa-Ankpa, condemned the incident and called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute anyone found responsible.

He warned that failure to address the matter transparently could heighten tensions and erode public confidence in security arrangements within the community.

Adejoh stressed that anyone suspected of committing a crime should be arrested and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

“If someone is suspected of stealing a cable or committing any other offence, the proper response is to apprehend the suspect, hand him over to the police, conduct an investigation and allow the courts to determine the case according to the law,” a resident said.

Vigilante Group Denies Involvement

The Atakpo vigilante group, which operates in Ankpa and neighbouring communities, has reportedly denied involvement in the incident.

“We have no hand in that incident; it’s not from us,” a source from the group was quoted as saying.

The denial comes amid calls for security agencies to establish who was responsible for the alleged killing and determine whether members of any vigilante group participated.

Police Yet to Confirm Incident

The incident has renewed concerns about jungle justice and the treatment of criminal suspects outside Nigeria’s formal justice system.

Although community vigilante groups often support local security efforts, residents have emphasised that suspected offenders must be handled in accordance with the law.

As of the time of reporting, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming the incident.

Residents have urged the authorities to investigate the reported killing, identify those responsible and ensure that justice is served.