The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the violent mob action in Edo State that led to the brutal killing of travellers accused of being kidnappers.
The attack, carried out by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road, resulted in tragic consequences.
In a Friday statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and titled IGP Condemns Mob Action in Edo State, Orders Immediate FCID Takeover of Investigation, the police chief decried the extrajudicial actions and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has strongly condemned the violent mob action carried out against a group of travelers by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State,” the statement read.
The victims, who were traveling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms.
However, the vigilantes, doubting their explanation, branded them as kidnappers.
“Regrettably, without allowing for due process or proper investigation into their claims, the vigilante group subjected some of them to unlawful mob justice, resulting in tragic consequences,” the IGP stated.
In immediate response, the Edo State Police Command dispatched operatives to the affected community to restore order.
“So far, fourteen (14) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while a manhunt has been launched for other perpetrators involved in the mob action,” the statement confirmed.
To ensure a thorough and impartial probe, the IGP directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, to take over the case.
He assured the public that the police force “remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of unlawful killings or extrajudicial actions under any guise.”
The IGP further called for calm and urged citizens to cooperate with the investigation, warning against jungle justice.
“Additionally, while condemning the resort to jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
“Individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms are advised to report to the nearest police station to surrender such weapons or initiate the appropriate licensing process,” the statement added.
The police warned the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and encouraged prompt reporting of suspicious activities to lawful authorities.