The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the lynching of two travellers who were wrongly accused of being kidnappers in Gidan Kalu Village, Birnin Yero, a few kilometres from Maraban Jos in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims, identified as 45-year-old Muhammadu Sani and 40-year-old Aliyu Mohammed, both from Umar Village in the same local government area, were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle to Tudun Wada, Zaria, on July 1 to visit their sick uncle when they were attacked.
Police said the incident was triggered after some residents became suspicious on seeing the two men riding a new motorcycle and allegedly raised the alarm by shouting “thieves.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the command said the victims abandoned the motorcycle and fled in fear after the accusation.
The statement added that despite explaining that they were not thieves, and although some members of the mob reportedly knew them, they were chased, attacked and beaten to death.
“While passing through Gidan Kalu Village, some unidentified persons allegedly became suspicious after seeing them riding a new motorcycle and began shouting ‘thieves.’
“In fear for their lives, the victims abandoned the motorcycle and fled. They were, however, pursued by an angry mob, brutally attacked and lynched to death despite their explanation that they were not thieves.”
The police said officers from the Birnin Yero Division swiftly responded after receiving a report of the incident and arrested six suspects, including one Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo.
The command stated that the suspects have admitted to taking part in the attack and are currently in police custody. It added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals who fled the scene.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the mob action, describing it as unlawful and unacceptable.
He vowed that all those involved, regardless of their status, would be arrested and prosecuted.
“The command condemns the incident in the strongest terms. All those found culpable, irrespective of their status, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the commissioner said.
Muhammad warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
He urged members of the public to report suspected criminals to the nearest police station or other security agencies instead of resorting to jungle justice.