The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the violent mob action carried out by a local vigilante group against a group of travelers along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State. The travelers, who were in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms. Unsatisfied with their explanation, the vigilantes concluded they were kidnappers and took the law into their own hands.

Without allowing for due process or proper investigation, the vigilante group subjected some of the travelers to mob justice, leading to tragic consequences. In response, the Edo State Police Command swiftly deployed operatives to restore order in the affected community. Fourteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, while a manhunt has been launched for other perpetrators.

Following the incident, 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 and ensure a thorough and impartial 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 extrajudicial action.

The IGP urged calm and called on members of the public to cooperate fully with the investigation, emphasizing that all those found guilty will face the full weight of the law. He also reiterated that the unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law and advised individuals with unlicensed weapons to surrender them to the nearest police station or follow the proper licensing process.

While warning against jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies rather than resort to violence.