The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the violent mob action in Edo State that resulted in the brutal killing of travelers accused of kidnapping.
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 Investigations.
“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 travellers by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State,” the statement read.
The victims, who were travelling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were discovered in possession of 19 locally made guns.
However, the vigilantes, rejecting their explanation, labelled 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.
To restore order in the affected neighbourhood, the Edo State Police Command dispatched operatives immediately.
“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 unbiased investigation, the IGP delegated responsibility for the matter to DIG Sadiq Abubakar, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
He promised 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 encouraged civilians to remain calm and participate with the probe, 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 offence 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 reminded the public not to take the law into their own hands and urged them to report suspicious actions to law enforcement immediately.
