The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has condemned the mob killing of travellers in Edo State.

This is contained in a statement released by Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday.

According to the statement, the victims, claiming to be hunters, were found with 19 locally made firearms; when intercepted by the vigilantes, who were not satisfied with the excuse of being hunters to be in possession of such a number of arms, they concluded they were kidnappers.

“Regrettably, without allowing for due process or proper investigation into their claims, the vigilante group subjected some of them to unlawful mob justice.” the IGP stated

The statement further revealed that fourteen suspects have been arrested, and a manhunt is ongoing.

The IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, to take over the case and ensure a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of unlawful killings or extrajudicial actions under any guise,” the IGP declared.

He urged calm and cooperation, warning that culprits will face the law.

Additionally, while condemning the resort to jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

“Individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms are advised to report to the nearest police station to surrender such weapons or initiate the appropriate licensing process.” The statement reads