IGP Egbetokun Orders Immediate FCID Take Over Of Investigation Into Edo Mob Action
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In a tragic turn of events along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State, a group of travelers was subjected to a violent mob attack by local vigilantes.
The travelers, who identified themselves as hunters, were found in possession of nineteen locally fabricated firearms.
Doubting their claims, the vigilantes accused them of being kidnappers and, without due process, meted out mob justice, leading to multiple fatalities.
The Edo State Police Command responded promptly, deploying officers to restore order in the affected community.
Fourteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, and a manhunt is underway for other individuals involved.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned the act and directed the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Sadiq Abubakar, to take over the investigation to ensure a thorough and impartial process.
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and has urged the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
The Force however emphasised that unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
This incident has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the dangers of mob justice, underscoring the need for adherence to legal processes and the protection of human rights.
