The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to immediately begin investigation into the brutal killing of northern travellers accused of being kidnappers.
The Force spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated this on Friday in a statement titled IGP Condemns Mob Action in Edo State, Orders Immediate FCID Takeover of Investigation.
The attack, carried out by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road, resulted in tragic consequences.
He said 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.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 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 reads.
The victims were traveling in a truck and claimed to be hunters had 19 locally fabricated firearms with them
However, the vigilantes rejected 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.
In immediate response, the Edo State Police Command has deployed operatives to the affected community to restore order.
“So far, 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.
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.
