BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two women from an attempted mob lynching in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and arrested a suspect allegedly linked to the violent assault described by authorities as barbaric and unlawful.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday along Ring Road 3 in Uyo, where an irate mob allegedly stripped the women naked, physically assaulted them in public and attempted to execute them over allegations yet to be verified by lawful authorities.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Command strongly condemned the attack, warning that jungle justice, mob action and all forms of extrajudicial violence would not be tolerated in the state.
According to the statement, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Ekem Emmanuel John, witnessed the incident while on his way to work and immediately alerted security operatives after observing that one of the victims had sustained severe injuries and was bleeding heavily.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, operatives of the Command swiftly mobilized to the scene, dispersed the violent crowd, rescued the victims from imminent danger, and rushed them to a medical facility where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care,” the statement read.
The Police further disclosed that one suspect, identified as Emediong Robert, 22, from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene for allegedly inciting the mob and calling for the execution of the women.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and launched a manhunt for other individuals connected to the attack.
Azare vowed that all perpetrators and accomplices involved in the mob action would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police Commissioner also cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that no allegation justifies torture, public humiliation or attempted murder.
The Command commended the swift intervention of the Health Commissioner, noting that his timely action played a crucial role in saving the lives of the victims.
