A landlord in Calabar, identified as Obong Ete, faced the wrath of his tenants and neighbors after allegedly robbing them repeatedly over time. Ete, who lives on Waddel Street in the Calabar South area of Cross River State, was confronted on Sunday morning, just as residents prepared for worship, and was beaten with horse whips, canes, and planks. Neighbors claimed Ete has frequently stolen items such as food and household goods, regularly causing distress within the community.
One resident, John Akpan, described Ete’s consistent habit of taking valuable items at night. “This young man, despite owning a house, keeps stealing things from the neighborhood,” Akpan said. “Many times, youth leaders and vigilante groups have traced stolen items to his apartment.” Reports also suggest that even after past confrontations, Ete returned to his behavior, further angering neighbors.
Tenants expressed relief that he was finally held accountable. Magdalene Effiom, one of Ete’s tenants, mentioned that the landlord had been previously cursed after allegedly stealing from a church, suggesting that “these curses might be influencing him.” After the beating, youth leaders forced Ete to swear publicly that he would refrain from further thefts, with the landlord apologizing and vowing to change. Additionally, a young man cohabiting with him, believed to be an accomplice, was expelled from the community under threats of police action if he returned.
However, Police PRO Irene Ugbo cautioned against such actions, urging residents to hand over suspects to law enforcement rather than taking justice into their own hands. Despite Ugbo’s comments, the neighborhood remains on alert, with many hoping the recent events will restore peace to the area.
