Edo Mob Justice: PCRC Strongly Condemns Act, Calls for Calm as Police Promised to bring Perpetrators to Justice
By Kunle Sodipo
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has strongly condemned the lawless killing of travelers from Northern Nigeria in Uromi, Edo State, by a local vigilante group.
The National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, criticized the vigilante group for not allowing due process and proper investigation by the Police. According to reports, the travelers claimed to be hunters and were in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms when intercepted. While it is understandable to be suspicious, the face of PCRC in Nigeria and diaspora emphasized that subjecting individuals to mob justice is entirely unlawful and barbaric.
This incident highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and allowing authorities to investigate and handle such situations.
The PCRC’s condemnation serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for calm and adherence to proper procedures. Similar incidents have been condemned by international organizations, such as the United Nations, which has spoken out against the killing of civilians and the importance of protecting human lives.
It therefore urged all affected by this sad incident to remain calm and avoid any further escalation of the situation, while the Police bring to justice all the perpetrators since no Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic background, religion or region deserves such mindless act.
While counting on the support from the government and good people of Edo State in bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing future occurrence, it is crucial to remind Nigerian citizens that the law prohibiting unlawful possession of firearms is still in effect, and no one should be in possession of unlicensed firearms.
“For our laws to be effective, we all have a role to play either as law enforcement agents or civilians. This is a responsibility we can not ignore because of the dire consequences and the dangers it poses to our peaceful coexistence as a nation with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religion and culture” the PCRC maintained.
As stakeholders, community leaderships, religious houses, educational institutions, mass media, social groups and others too numerous to mention are expected to use their platforms effectively to educate people against all acts of jungle justice and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities to the nearest Police station.