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.

A statement from the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Weekend indicated that a “group of individuals who were traveling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms when intercepted by the vigilantes.

“The vigilantes who were not satisfied with the excuse of being hunters to be in possession of such number of arms, concluded they were 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.”

In immediate response, the statement showed that the Edo State Police Command deployed operatives to the affected community, restoring law and order.

It further stayed that 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 IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, mni, to take over the case and ensure a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation.

He assured the public that the Nigeria 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 however appealed for calm and urges members of the public to cooperate fully with the investigation.

He emphasized that anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.

Additionally, while condemning the resort to jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated 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 Force warns the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and encouraged the prompt reporting of suspicious activities to lawful authorities.