Jos, Plateau State – In a grim display of jungle justice, enraged youths in the Jenta Adamu community of Jos North Local Government Area on Friday set ablaze two suspected cultists who allegedly attempted to rob residents. The horrifying incident, which has sent shockwaves through the state, occurred at approximately 9:20 am and has raised fresh concerns about lawlessness and mob justice in the region.
DSP Alabo Alfred, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, confirmed the incident to newsmen, condemning the mob action and urging citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours when suspected cultists reportedly launched an attack in Jenta Adamu, targeting residents and attempting to snatch their belongings. According to eyewitness accounts, their crime spree began around 5:30 am, during which they allegedly shot and killed a resident after snatching his phone.
Hearing the gunshot, the community sprang into action. Youths mobilized in large numbers, reportedly capturing the suspects as they tried to flee. The angry mob dragged them to a riverside, placed tires over their bodies, and burned them alive in a chilling act of vengeance.
One eyewitness, Samuel John, a resident of Jenta Adamu, described the harrowing scene. “The suspects killed a member of our community early this morning,” John recounted. “We couldn’t just sit back and let them get away. We mobilized, caught them, and took action. They paid for their crimes with their lives.”
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police responded to a distress call from the community, dispatching officers from the “A” Division of Jos to the scene. However, by the time law enforcement arrived, the mob had already carried out the gruesome act.
During their investigation, police recovered two locally fabricated pistols allegedly used by the suspects. The burnt bodies were later evacuated and taken to a hospital morgue.
The police have reiterated the dangers of jungle justice, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and could lead to wrongful deaths. DSP Alfred stated, “While it is understandable that citizens want to protect themselves and their communities, we cannot allow a descent into chaos. As a civilized society, suspects must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for justice to be served according to the law.”
He also stressed that anyone caught engaging in jungle justice would face the full wrath of the law.
The incident has left the Jenta Adamu community in shock, with residents expressing mixed reactions. While some praised the swift action of the youths as a deterrent to crime, others decried the brutality of the act, calling for a more lawful approach to addressing criminal activities.
The tragic event highlights the growing frustrations of citizens with crime and the perceived inefficiency.
Crime and the perceived inefficiency of the justice system. As the police continue their investigation, it remains to be seen whether this act of mob justice will spark reforms or perpetuate a cycle of lawlessness in the area.
For now, Jenta Adamu mourns not only the loss of a community member but also the violent unraveling of justice in their midst.
