The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the violent mob action in Edo State that led to the brutal killing of travelers accused of being kidnappers.
The incident, which occurred along the Uromi-Obajana Road, involved a local vigilante group attacking a group of travelers who were found with 19 locally fabricated firearms. Despite their claims of being hunters, the vigilantes labeled them as criminals and resorted to jungle justice.
In response, the Edo State Police Command swiftly deployed operatives to the scene to restore order, while the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has now taken over the case on the orders of the IGP.
“So far, 14 suspects have been arrested, and a manhunt has been launched for others involved in the unlawful killings,” a statement from Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed.
The police chief reaffirmed the force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and warned against extrajudicial actions. He urged the public to refrain from jungle justice and report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities instead.
Meanwhile, the police have reminded citizens that unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense, advising individuals with unlicensed weapons to surrender them or follow due legal processes.
Authorities continue to investigate the tragic incident, with assurances that all those responsible will be brought to justice.
