Security stakeholders in Ebonyi State have strongly condemned the rising cases of jungle justice across Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace lawful processes for justice.
The warnings came during a town hall meeting in Abakaliki on Thursday, held in preparation for National Police Day (April 7) under the theme: “Police and the community: strengthening cooperation for improved service delivery.”
Ebonyi Commissioner of Police Anthonia Uche-Anya stated unequivocally:
“It was unlawful to take a life of fellow citizens… Nobody has the right to take the law into his or her hands. Citizen must follow due process in the efforts to ensure security.”
On police misconduct, CP Uche-Anya warned:
“The Police Force had zero tolerance for such act… The police had no right to check another person’s phone at the checkpoint except, if such a person was under investigation.”
Student leader Nwanneka David of NANS Ebonyi chapter protested:
“We are not happy the way police have been harassing students, to the extent of tagging most of them ‘Yahoo Boys’… The police have gone the extra mile checking people’s phone.”
Trade Union Congress Chairman Chidi Igboji called for:
“Regular training for the police force in the efforts to harness and promote security.”
Traditional ruler Sunday Oketa advocated:
“More stakeholders collaboration for improved security,” while praising community policing efforts.
The meeting addressed multiple security concerns including police extortion, extrajudicial killings, and the need for improved police-community relations to prevent mob justice incidents.
