By Sylvia Akpan
Two suspected thieves have been caught stealing fish and electric cables in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River Rivers.
The duo were caught in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, by a group of vigilante personnel in Ijiman and Okurubong, communities of the LGA.
This was confirmed by a netizen and indigene of Yakurr, Odey Ojeka.
Ojeka while speaking to CrossRiverWatch said that the suspects were apprehended by the community’s vigilante group.
The suspects names are identified as Benjamin James Akpama who hails from Nko – caught stealing electric wires while Eyong Ubi Okoi hails from Idomi and was caught stealing fish from a pond.
Some social media users have questioned the situation. One asked why Ubi who stole fish was massively beaten but assumed it could be hunger that lured him into the act.
Another said in Nigeria’s pidgin English: “Person thief food, dem beat am? No be hunger cause am so?” while another user added: “One was hungry why the other don’t like light.”
Mixed reactions have trailed their alleged act, with some on the opinion that circumstances might have led them while some believes it is a deliberate act.
“This period isn’t hunger period. There’s corn everywhere seeing full grown man steal fish isn’t hunger. I tell you for sure if he had succeeded this move it will be business. And as for the man with the electric cables, he might be the reason I’m suffering from light when ever I come home due to our transformer that has been stolen,” the user jested.
As at the time of filing this report, member of the Ijiman Okurubong vigilante group said the suspects will be handed over to the Ugep police for further investigation and action.
