A violent mob in Issele-Uku, located in the Aniocha North local government area of Delta State, has hijacked two handcuffed suspects from police custody and lynched them on the spot.
The individuals were accused of stealing motorcycles when enraged youths overpowered law enforcement officers and carried out the brutal attack.
This mob action has ignited widespread outrage and shock in Issele-Uku, a community renowned for its cultural heritage and commitment to peace. The incident has raised significant concerns about the rise of jungle justice and the deterioration of law and order within the town.
Mr. Offordile Uge, the President-General of the Issele-Uku Development Union (IDU), condemned the lynching, labeling it a gross violation of the community’s core principles. “We strongly condemn this mob action. Issele-Uku is a sacred town that values peace and abhors jungle justice. This act of lawlessness is unacceptable and goes against everything we stand for,” he stated.
Uge stressed the importance of law enforcement agencies adhering to strict protocols during arrests to protect suspects from mob violence. He also advocated for consultations with traditional elders to cleanse the town of the violence that has tarnished its reputation.
“We will continue to collaborate with the police and other security forces to safeguard our town from becoming a haven for criminals,” Uge asserted, highlighting the community’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to maintain peace and prevent crime escalation.
“It is disturbing that these suspects were taken from the hands of the police and lynched. The police must enforce their rules of engagement more rigorously to prevent mobs from taking matters into their own hands, which could endanger both suspects and law enforcement officers,” he added.
Uge concluded by noting that this shocking incident underscores the dangers posed by jungle justice in Nigeria, where mob actions often supersede legal processes, resulting in tragic outcomes.
“As a traditionally-minded community, we will also consult our elders to perform rituals that cleanse the land of this senseless bloodshed. This violence does not reflect who we are as a people,” he emphasized.
