One person has been confirmed dead and another hospitalised after a mob attack at Kunini Market in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State on Saturday.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. when chaos broke out in the bustling market, leading to the brutal assault of two individuals by an angry crowd. According to reports from the Officer-in-Charge of the Kunini Police Outpost, both victims were attacked by a mob under yet-to-be-determined circumstances.
“One of the victims was confirmed dead at the scene, while the other was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving medical attention,” a security source said.
The names of the victims have not been released as of press time, but the injured individual is said to be in a stable condition.
Following the violent attack, security operatives from the Lau Divisional Police Headquarters were quickly deployed to Kunini to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.
Market activities were temporarily disrupted as traders and shoppers fled the scene during the chaos. Normalcy was later restored after the intervention of law enforcement agents.
An eyewitness described the scene as terrifying. “Everyone was running. People started shouting, and before we knew what was happening, two men were on the ground being beaten by a crowd,” the witness said.
Authorities in Taraba State have launched an investigation into the incident to determine what triggered the mob action and to identify those responsible for the attack.
Police officials say no arrests have been made yet, but efforts are ongoing to track down suspects involved in the violence.
The Taraba State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement to handle the matter. They also warned the public against taking the law into their own hands, noting that mob justice is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
“Vigilante justice only worsens the situation and leads to more suffering and loss of life,” a police spokesperson said.
Mob attacks have become an increasing concern across several parts of Nigeria, especially in markets and rural areas where law enforcement presence may be limited.
In many cases, people accused of theft or wrongdoing are often attacked before authorities can intervene. Human rights groups have consistently condemned the trend and called for stronger public awareness and legal enforcement to end such actions.
Saturday’s incident in Kunini adds to a worrying pattern and has sparked renewed calls for improved security presence in markets and public spaces across Taraba State.
As of Sunday afternoon, the body of the deceased had been taken to the mortuary, while the second victim remains hospitalised.
Police say updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
