In a dramatic incident on Saturday, the Edo State Police Command successfully rescued two individuals, including a minor, from an enraged mob accusing them of stealing a man’s manhood. The swift intervention by the police prevented what could have escalated into a tragic case of jungle justice.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, via X (formerly Twitter). According to the statement, the police responded to a distress call, arriving just in time to rescue the accused individuals from the mob’s violent attempts to lynch them.
The two suspects were taken into police custody for their safety and subjected to preliminary investigations. Following the investigations, they were released to their relatives to receive medical attention. SP Yamu expressed concern over the incident, urging the public to desist from acts of mob justice.
“This is an unfortunate situation,” SP Yamu stated. “#EdoPoliceNG responded to this distress call, as you can see. The person alleged to have stolen the manhood and the little boy were rescued to the station amidst the mob trying to lynch them. Efforts to trace the alleged victim are in progress.”
According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began when an alleged victim accused the suspects of stealing his manhood. This accusation fueled anger among the gathered crowd, leading to attempts to mete out violent punishment.
However, subsequent developments shed doubt on the allegations. Sources disclosed that the supposed victim later admitted to testing his manhood and found it to be functioning normally. This revelation has called into question the validity of the accusation that sparked the near-tragic incident.
The police statement further emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate the alleged victim to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case. “Efforts to trace the alleged victim are in progress, while the ‘suspects’ have been released to their relations for treatment,” SP Yamu added. “Let’s say no to jungle justice over unfounded stories, please.”
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of mob justice and the importance of due process in addressing allegations. Public commentators have expressed relief that the police acted promptly, preventing the situation from escalating into a fatal tragedy.
Jungle justice remains a pressing concern in Nigeria, as misinformation and false accusations often lead to violent outcomes. Authorities and advocacy groups have called for increased public awareness campaigns to discourage such actions and promote trust in the legal system.
The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and addressing cases of mob violence with urgency. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in upholding justice and protecting lives in volatile situations.
