In a shocking act of jungle justice, a mob in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, overpowered police officers and lynched two suspected motorcycle thieves.
The suspects, who were handcuffed and in police custody, were accused of stealing motorcycles before the enraged mob took the law into their own hands, killing them on the spot.
The violent incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern, particularly in Issele-Uku, a community known for its deep cultural values and peaceful traditions. Many are now questioning the rising trend of mob justice and the apparent breakdown of law and order in the area.
The President-General of the Issele-Uku Development Union (IDU), Mr. Offordile Uge, condemned the lynching, describing it as a violation of the community’s principles and a tragic departure from its values of peace and justice. “We strongly condemn this mob action. Issele-Uku is a sacred town that values peace and abhors jungle justice. This act of lawlessness is unacceptable and goes against everything we stand for,” Uge said.
He also called for stricter adherence to protocols by law enforcement agencies during arrests, emphasizing the importance of protecting suspects from mob violence. “It is disturbing that these suspects were taken from the hands of the police and lynched. We will continue to collaborate with the police and other security forces to safeguard our town from becoming a haven for criminals,” he added.
Uge expressed the community’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to maintain peace and prevent further escalation of criminal activities. He also urged the police to enforce their rules of engagement more rigorously to prevent such incidents, which not only endanger suspects but also law enforcement officers.
“As a traditionally-minded community, we will consult our elders to perform rituals that cleanse the land of this senseless bloodshed. This violence does not reflect who we are as a people,” Uge noted.
