Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has strongly condemned the violent mob attack in Edo State, which led to the brutal killing of travelers falsely accused of being kidnappers.
The attack, carried out by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road, ended in tragic circumstances.
In a statement issued on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, titled “IGP Condemns Mob Action in Edo State, Orders Immediate FCID Takeover of Investigation,” Egbetokun denounced the extrajudicial killings and reaffirmed the police force’s dedication 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.
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The victims, who were traveling in a truck and identified themselves as hunters, were discovered with 19 locally made firearms.
However, the vigilantes, skeptical of their claim, accused them of being 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.
The Edo State Police Command swiftly deployed officers to the 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.
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To guarantee a comprehensive and unbiased investigation, the IGP instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, to take charge of the case.
He reassured the public that the police remain dedicated to enforcing the rule of law and will not condone unlawful killings or extrajudicial actions in any form.
The IGP also appealed for calm, urging citizens to support the investigation and cautioning against resorting to 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 cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands and urged them to promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
