The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the brutal mob killing of two travellers who were allegedly mistaken for kidnappers and motorcycle thieves in Gidan Kalu Village, Birnin Yero Local Government Area of the state.
The command disclosed that the victims were attacked and lynched by an angry crowd despite repeatedly insisting that they were innocent travellers.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
According to the statement, the tragic incident occurred on July 1 when the two victims, both residents of Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area, embarked on a journey to Tudun Wada in Zaria to visit their sick uncle.
The police explained that the victims were travelling on a newly purchased motorcycle and had reached Gidan Kalu Village, located a few kilometres from Maraban Jos, when some residents allegedly became suspicious of them.
As they passed through the community, some villagers reportedly began raising alarm and shouting that they were thieves.
The accusation quickly attracted a crowd, prompting the travellers to panic.
According to the police, fearing they could be attacked, the victims abandoned the motorcycle and attempted to escape.
However, they were reportedly chased by an enraged mob, which caught up with them and launched a violent assault.
Despite repeatedly explaining that they were not criminals, the two men were beaten to death by the crowd.
The command disclosed that some individuals who participated in the attack allegedly knew the victims personally, making the incident even more disturbing.
Police operatives attached to the Birnin Yero Division were mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
Following preliminary investigations, officers arrested one Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo alongside five other suspects believed to have actively participated in the killings.
According to the police, the suspects have admitted their involvement in the mob attack during interrogation.
The command added that they remain in police custody while investigators continue efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the incident.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, strongly condemned the killings.
He described the mob action as unlawful, barbaric and completely unacceptable under the law.
The commissioner assured members of the public that everyone found to have taken part in the killings would be brought to justice irrespective of their status or influence.
He also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands whenever they suspect anyone of committing an offence.
According to him, the responsibility of investigating crimes rests solely with law enforcement agencies, while only competent courts have the constitutional authority to determine guilt.
He emphasised that every Nigerian remains innocent until proven guilty through due legal process.
The commissioner urged residents to immediately report suspected criminals to the nearest police station or any recognised security agency instead of resorting to jungle justice.
He stressed that unlawful killings based on mere suspicion only undermine the rule of law and expose innocent people to grave danger.
The Kaduna State Police Command further assured the public that investigations into the incident are ongoing and pledged that all those involved would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
