Two thieves, suspected of stealing phones, were on Friday, set on fire by an irate mob in Plateau State. The tragic incident occurred in the Kabong community of Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of the day.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects were engaged in violent activities, attacking passersby and road users with weapons, robbing them of phones and other valuables. The mob’s response was swift, and they proceeded to punish the alleged criminals in a brutal manner.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday, with the spokesperson, DSP Alabo Alfred, providing details. The statement revealed that the police had received a distress call from a concerned citizen reporting a group of unknown cult members who had invaded the community, attempting to rob law-abiding citizens of their belongings. However, by the time the police arrived at the scene, the angry mob had already pursued and attacked the alleged thieves, eventually setting them on fire.
While acknowledging the prevalence of armed robbery and cult activities in the area, the Plateau State Police Command condemned the act of jungle justice, emphasizing that it was not an acceptable practice. The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, also expressed disapproval of the extrajudicial killing, urging citizens to allow the relevant security agencies to handle suspects in accordance with the law. The police, in their statement, reminded the public that executing justice outside of the legal system is unlawful and that individuals or groups engaging in such actions would be dealt with in accordance with the law. The statement concluded with a warning that those involved in jungle justice would face legal consequences for their actions.
