Crime suspects should be given speedy trials
The Kaduna State Police Command last week arrested six suspects over the lynching of two travellers who were mistaken for kidnappers by a mob in Maraban Jos community in Igabi Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly riding on a new motorbike to visit their ailing uncle when some suspicious residents took them for thieves and raised an alarm. Despite the fact that some members of the mob reportedly recognised the two men, that did not stop the violent attacks that resulted in their death. The State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, has described the incident as barbaric and unacceptable. But that is cold comfort to their families.
Unfortunately, the incident was the second mob killing in the same neighbourhood within two weeks, raising public anxiety and concerns over the culture of impunity and insecurity in the area. On 21 June, a mother of four, Malama Ummulkhairi Muhammad, was similarly beaten to death by a mob in Maraban Jos, based on a false accusation of child kidnapping. The agonising death which triggered a national outrage was worsened by the fact that the helpless woman thought she would be protected from harm’s way at the Maraban Jos Divisional Police headquarters. But the uncontrollable crowd reportedly overwhelmed the officers on duty, dragged Malala to the street and set her ablaze. The grieving husband of the Islamic teacher accused the police of handing over his wife to the crowd, an allegation the police have denied. Malama’s killing attracted the attention of Governor Uba Sani who visited the bereaved family and pledged support. The State authorities have also pledged to prosecute everyone involved and investigate the conduct of the police.
