The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the recent mob attack in Edo State. The tragic incident happened on the Uromi-Obajana Road, where a group of travelers was wrongly accused and killed by local vigilantes.
This follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
A group of northern hunters traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano State for the Sallah festival was intercepted by local vigilantes in Uromi, Esan North Local Government Area.
The vigilantes mistook them for kidnappers and attacked them. Some victims were beaten to death, while others were burned alive.
Reports indicate that the travelers were carrying 19 locally made firearms, which raised suspicion among the vigilantes. Instead of allowing law enforcement to investigate, the vigilantes took matters into their own hands, leading to the tragic killings.
Following the incident, the Edo State Police Command quickly deployed officers to restore order in the area. Fourteen suspects have been arrested so far, and a manhunt is ongoing for others involved.
The IGP has assigned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sadiq Abubakar, from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), to take over the case. He assured the public that a thorough and fair investigation will be conducted to ensure justice is served.
In an official statement, the Nigeria Police Force emphasized that jungle justice and extrajudicial killings will not be tolerated. The IGP urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.
Additionally, the police reminded citizens that possessing firearms without a proper license is illegal. Anyone in possession of unlicensed weapons should surrender them to the nearest police station or follow legal procedures for licensing.
The police also warned against taking the law into one’s own hands and encouraged people to report suspicious activities to the authorities instead of resorting to violence.
