Minna—Two persons died during a scuffle over a stolen mobile phone at Kantoma in Suleja, Niger State, yesterday.

The first casualty, Usman Babangida, was said to have pursued the alleged suspect, who was trying to escape with the stolen handset. During a struggle, he stabbed Babangida several times. A mob descended on the suspect and beat him comatose. A free-for-all then ensued.

Police later dispersed the crowd and took the two victims away. However, they were said to have died shortly after being admitted in the hospital.

The Niger State Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident, adding that the situation had been brought under control.