The Nigerian police were unable to stop an angry mob from stoning and burning to death four students accused of armed robbery because they were chased by rock-throwing assailants, authorities said on Monday.
The lynchings in Aluu have caused outrage, with a video showing the gruesome killings of the victims, aged 18-20, having circulated through social media.
Police issued a statement on Monday laying out some of what they said were the circumstances of the October 5 crime, while also saying 19 suspects had been arrested, including the traditional leader in the community.
“The police on getting to the scene met a mob attack on four victims who were supposedly the suspected armed robbers,” the statement signed by Nigeria’s national police chief Mohammed D. Abubakar said.
“Attempts made by the police patrol team to take over the suspects were met with stiff opposition from the mob, who chased the team with stones.”
The four police officers at the scene then called for reinforcements, but they arrived after the victims were “stoned and burnt to death, while the mob immediately took to their heels,” the statement said.
It was not clear why police did not shoot into the air or fire tear gas as is often done to disperse crowds in Nigeria.
The police have arrested 19 suspects, including the traditional monarch of the Aluu community in Rivers State, Hassan Welewa, who has been accused of inciting the mob, it added.
Initial reports said that the students were accused of stealing phones and laptops, and the police said that they were suspected to be armed robbers.
A gruesome video of the attack near the oil city of Port Harcourt was posted on YouTube showing the students being stripped naked, beaten with sticks, doused with petrol and set ablaze with tyres around their necks.
The University of Port Harcourt has since been temporarily closed following the tension generated by the killings. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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WHAT WILL THE PRO SAY? OGA YOU ARE JUST DOING YOUR JOB, BUT NIGERIAN HAVE SHAMED ME BEYOND WORDS, THE CHASED YOUR MEN WITH STONE? HAHAHAHAHA PLS HIDE YOUR FACE IN SHAME, BOTH THE PEOPLE THAT DID THE KILLING, THE MOVIE PRODUCER AND EVERYBODY THAT WATCHED THOSE BOYS DIE WITHOUT SAYING ANY THING WILL PAY FOR IT, ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME.
ReplyDeleteThat's completely rubbish, so what's the use of their teargas & guns.
ReplyDeleteplease tell tis story to the birds. remember what goes around comes around
ReplyDeleteNigerian Policemen are always handicapped and placed at a disadvantage when faced with a challenge. We should advocate for state policing. I think that will help reduce the rate of crime.
ReplyDeleteThe angry mob chase them with stones. But wot are they going to do when they encounter armed robbers with arms? U are not ashamed of ur statement, shame to you!
ReplyDeleteN it tuk u guys gud 3hrs 2 get reinforcement? Ihere megbukwacha unu! Superstory
ReplyDeleteThis is nothing but a cock and bull story; and it's unfortunate coming from Nigeria's Police Chief. There is nothing that can extenuate the Police from blame in this matter. I just hope that someone bring them (the Police) to book.
ReplyDeleteMDA , you are unbelievable, are you sure these were your words or someone elses. What will it cost you to fire the DPO of the closest station to where this incidence happened. Come of it Oga , if one of those guys killed were to be your son , what would be your reaction? .
ReplyDeleteWe are indeed in a bit sh-t .
Example must be shown! I don't know if GOODLUCK JONATHAN is reading news online? He suppose 2 single handed handle this case. The DPO to the closest station where this incidence happened must be fired and any other police men that where at the scene must also be fired. They are the cause of the death of this young innocent fine boys!!! NIGERIAN'S should learn from this. VERY VERY PAINFUL DEATH IN DEED......
ReplyDeleteIF THE INNOCENT BOYS WERE CARRYING MILLIONS OF NAIRA,THE POLICE ON THE SCENE COULD HAVE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GET SHARE OF THE LOOT. THE COMMISSIONER, THE DPO AND THOSE NOTHING TO DO POLICE OFFICERS ON THE SCENE SHOULD BE FIRED AND QUESTIONED. THIS IS BEYOND 21ST CENTURY.THERE IS NO LAW IN THIS COUNTRY.AM STUPENDIOUSLY ANGRY FOR THE LOST OF THIS YOUNG BOYS.
ReplyDeleteSTEVE.