The Kaduna State Police Command has denounced the lynching of a lady accused of kidnapping a child by an angry mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, describing the act as barbaric and a serious breach of the rule of law.
The command stated that numerous people had been apprehended in connection with the incident and that attempts were underway to apprehend the remaining criminals.
DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, announced this in a statement made on Sunday in Kaduna.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at 10 a.m. on Saturday, when the Divisional Police Officer in Maraban Jos received a distress call reporting that a woman was being attacked by a mob over suspicions of child theft.
Hassan stated that the claim lacked evidence.
He explained that the DPO quickly dispatched officers to the location, retrieved the woman from the mob, and placed her in protective custody at the police station pending an investigation.
The situation, according to the statement, deteriorated when hundreds of aggrieved residents reportedly stormed the police station and overpowered personnel on duty.
“Responding swiftly, the divisional police officer led officers to the scene, rescued the woman, and moved her to the station for safety and investigation.
“Despite this, a large crowd in their hundreds later stormed and besieged the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, killed her, and set her body ablaze,” the statement read.
The police disclosed that the victim is an indigenous person of Maraban Jos.
Condemning the mob attack, the command described the action of the mob as criminal and unacceptable in a democratic society.
“The command describes this act as barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law. No person or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands,” Hassan stated.
He also mentioned that a comprehensive investigation had commenced and vowed that all those involved in the attack would be prosecuted.
“Several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident, and a manhunt is ongoing for others involved. A comprehensive investigation has commenced, and all culprits will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Rabiu Muhammad, the commissioner of police, issued a warning against jungle justice, mob violence, and attacks on police personnel.
He urged residents to report suspicious individuals and activities to security agencies for proper investigation.
“The Command will not tolerate jungle justice, mob action, or attacks on police formations and personnel. Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons or activities to the police and allow due process,” the CP said.
The police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.
