Three men were Tuesday apprehended in their attempt to steal goats in Bayelsa state.

The suspects were said to have visited an abattoir in the Amarata area of Yenegoa, the state capital when they were caught.

While being paraded and beaten severely, the suspects reportedly claimed they were returning from a night vigil held at an unnamed church.

One of the suspects reportedly had a bible in his hand which they used to back up their claim, insisting they were returning from a church service, in the wee hours when they were caught.

On how they came to be in possession of two goats belonging to a restaurant owner, they said the devil led them to the abattoir.

The local vigilante group was said to have apprehended the suspects alongside the goats and handed them over to the police.