By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has condemned the mob action against a woman suspected to be a destitute who was mistaken to be a kidnapper.
In the ensuing melee, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the woman lost her life.
She said: “Information received that a woman, suspected to be destitute, was sighted wandering around the community; misinformed members of the public wrongly suspected her to be a kidnapper. In the ensuing circumstances, an irate mob descended on the woman, inflicting serious bodily harm.
”Upon swift mobilization, Police patrol teams raced to the scene, rescued the victim and rushed her to the General Hospital, Ilorin, for urgent medical attention. Regrettably, the attending doctor confirmed her dead as a result of injuries sustained. Her remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while discreet investigation has commenced.
”The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the act of jungle justice, which not only undermines the rule of law but also poses grave danger to innocent lives. Security challenges cannot be resolved through mob action. Rather, they worsen insecurity and erode public safety.
”The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo psc, mnips urge members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to always report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police formation, he appeals to the good people of Kwara to partner with the Police in upholding law, order, and justice while rejecting all forms of mob violence.”