BEVERLY HILLS, August 12, (THEWILL) – The Commissioner of Police in Lagos state, Fatai Owoseni, says his officers and men have been fatally wounded with stones hurled at them, as well as Police patrol vans in the course of discharging their constitutional responsibilities and preventing incidents of jungle justice recorded across the state.
Following the alleged discovery of another ritualist tunnel at Ile Zik Bus-Stop, some angry residents armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the area on Friday in search of more members of the gang. Upon getting to the place at about 7am, the crowd numbering over 20, discovered some people still living inside the hideout.
They were said to immediately drag out two persons who were found to be sleeping in the area, lynching and setting them on fire right before the arrival of policemen. This is even as the police had earlier dismissed the claim of the discovery another ritualists den at the spot, saying those found residing in the secluded area were destitutes.
Describing the action of the mob as barbaric, the Police boss said: “There is no justification for jungle justice on suspected persons. It is barbaric and uncivilised. It is a manifestation of the erosion of our moral values and a disregard to sanctity of human lives. It violates the rule of law and dents the image of the State.
“Above all, it is a violation of the law and all those arrested in connection with the aforementioned cases will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The public is advised to report any suspicious happenings in their areas to the Police and other security agencies. The public is assured of the renewed commitment of the Police and other security agencies to prompt response to such reports.”
“The public is also assured of renewed synergy amongst the institutions saddled with criminal justice administration towards ensuring quick dispensation of justice.”
Owoseni warned Lagosians to desist from the unlawful and barbaric act, asserting that no effort would be spared in ensuring that lawful means are used to visit justice on anyone who violates the law.
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