Police officers in Akwa Ibom rescued a man, reportedly from Anambra State, from a mob attack at Itam Timber Market in Itu Local Government Area after he was found carrying a carton containing his deceased son’s body.
According to reports, traders at the market became suspicious when they noticed the man, whose identity remains unknown, heading toward a waste dump with a carton balanced on his head.
An eyewitness, speaking anonymously, said the man was accompanied by two young boys when traders confronted him.
“Some traders stopped him, took the carton down, and discovered the lifeless body of a young boy inside, wrapped in tattered clothing,” the witness said.
A viral video showed the man struggling as the crowd accused him of ritualistic practices and demanded he open the carton.
Police officers arrived shortly afterward to calm the escalating situation.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, addressed the incident, stating that preliminary investigations indicated the man had not harmed his child.
“He was found with the body of his deceased son and two other boys.
He explained to the police that, according to his customs, deceased male family members must be buried in their hometown, and he was on his way to Anambra State for the burial,” ASP John explained.
The police have taken the deceased boy’s body to a morgue, and further investigations are underway to uncover more details about the case.
