The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six persons over the mob killing of two travellers who were wrongly accused of being kidnappers in Gidan Kalu Village, Birnin Yero, near Maraban Jos in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, identified as Muhammadu Sani, 45, and Aliyu Mohammed, 40, were reportedly beaten to death by an angry mob after residents allegedly mistook them for criminals while they were travelling to visit a sick relative.
The police described the incident as a tragic case of jungle justice and vowed to ensure that everyone involved in the killings is brought to justice.
The command said the incident occurred on July 1 when the two men, both from Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area, set out on a motorcycle to Tudun Wada in Zaria to visit their ailing uncle.
According to the police, the journey turned tragic when they passed through Gidan Kalu Village, where some residents became suspicious after seeing them riding a new motorcycle.
The residents allegedly began shouting “thieves,” triggering panic and attracting other members of the community.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the victims abandoned their motorcycle and ran for safety after hearing the accusations.
However, instead of allowing security agencies to investigate the matter, an angry mob reportedly chased them down.
The police said the victims repeatedly insisted that they were not criminals and tried to explain where they were coming from and where they were going.
Despite their explanations, the mob allegedly attacked them with sticks and other objects, beating them to death.
According to the statement, some people in the crowd reportedly knew the victims personally but were unable to stop the attack.
The police condemned the incident, describing it as a disturbing example of mob justice that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
“While passing through Gidan Kalu Village, some unidentified persons allegedly became suspicious after seeing them riding a new motorcycle and began shouting ‘thieves.’
“In fear for their lives, the victims abandoned the motorcycle and fled. They were, however, pursued by an angry mob, brutally attacked and lynched to death despite their explanation that they were not thieves,” the statement said.
Following the incident, operatives attached to the Birnin Yero Police Division moved to the scene after receiving a report.
The officers immediately commenced investigations and arrested six suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
Among those arrested is one Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo.
The command said the suspects have made useful statements during interrogation and admitted taking part in the attack.
Police added that investigations are continuing and that efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the mob who participated in the killings.
The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as unlawful, inhumane and completely unacceptable.
He assured the families of the victims that justice would be served and warned that nobody involved in the attack would escape prosecution.
“The command condemns the incident in the strongest terms. All those found culpable, irrespective of their status, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the commissioner said.
Muhammad also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands whenever they suspect someone of committing a crime.
He reminded members of the public that every person accused of an offence remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
According to him, allowing mobs to determine the fate of suspects undermines the country’s justice system and often leads to the death of innocent people.
He urged residents to report suspicious persons or criminal activities to the nearest police station or any recognised security agency instead of resorting to violence.
The commissioner said prompt reporting would enable security agencies to investigate allegations properly and ensure that innocent people are not wrongly punished.
Mob justice has remained a major concern across several parts of Nigeria despite repeated warnings from law enforcement agencies and human rights organisations.
Many suspected thieves, kidnappers and other alleged criminals have been attacked or killed by angry mobs before investigations could establish whether they actually committed any offence.
In many cases, innocent people have lost their lives because of false accusations, mistaken identity or rumours spread within communities.
Kaduna State, like several other states in the North-West, has witnessed increased security challenges in recent years, including banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks.
The rise in violent crime has heightened fear among residents, making some communities quick to suspect strangers or unfamiliar movements.
However, police authorities have consistently advised citizens to remain calm and allow trained security personnel to handle suspected criminal cases.
They maintain that only proper investigation can determine whether a person is guilty or innocent.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the dangers of misinformation and panic, especially in communities already affected by insecurity.
Community leaders have also been urged to educate residents on the dangers of taking the law into their own hands and to encourage cooperation with security agencies.
The police said investigations into the killings are continuing and assured the public that additional suspects linked to the mob attack would be arrested.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, enforcing the law and ensuring that all those responsible for the deaths of Muhammadu Sani and Aliyu Mohammed face justice.