A lecturer from the Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Dr. Emmanuel Aime, who also serves as a pastor at the Living Faith Church, was brutally beaten and stripped half-naked by an angry mob on allegations of genital theft.
The incident took place on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of two suspects involved in the assault.
Witnesses recounted that the lecturer had been conducting evangelism activities around the banks’ vicinity at approximately 9 a.m. when someone suddenly raised an alarm claiming that his genital was missing.
The accusation attracted the attention of a crowd, which began to accuse Aime of theft.
According to a witness report, Aime who serves as a pastor in the Wurukum branch of the Living Faith Church, had recently exited one of the banks along Otukpo Road in Makurdi when a young man accused him of stealing his genital.
Before the authorities could intervene, Dr. Aime had already suffered a severe beating, with his trousers forcibly removed, leaving him in just his boxers, and his head bleeding from the assault.
After some soldiers and other security personnel in the area intervened, it was determined that the individual who had made the allegation of genital theft was in perfect health. He was subsequently taken to the Division “E” Police Station in Makurdi.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, expressed her deep dismay at the incident while confirming the events.
She stated, “What a shame to some youths, they don’t have respect for the law, elders, or anybody. How can this happen in this generation?”
“This is too bad. Two suspects have been arrested and they will be dealt with according to the law.”
