Group condemns killing of travellers in Edo, calls for investigation
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has condemns killing of 16 travellers from Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Kano State by a vigilante group at Uromi, Edo State.
The PAPSD in a statement by its Executive Director, Sani Shinkafi in a statement on Saturday in Abuja described it as man’s inhumanity to man, heartless, ungodly, barbaric and savagery.
Shinkafi said that jungle justice has no place in all civilised societies and Nigeria, a country governed by the rule of law.
“Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, guarantees citizens’ right to freedom of movement.
“The constitution also provides the right to fair hearing in a court of competent jurisdiction if an offence is allegedly committed.
“There is no place for a mob action let alone setting fellow citizens ablaze and watched them die.
“Whither our common humanity? We must redefine our values as a people.
“Section (14)2b of the 1999 Constitution provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” he said
Shinkafi urged security agencies to ensure the protection of citizens anywhere they are particularly at festive periods that require traveling.
He urged the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agents to apprehend the perpetrators of the evil to face the full weight of the law.
This according to him will serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in the country.
Shinkafi also urge the National Assembly and State House of assemblies across the 36 states to enact laws that would curb mob killings in Nigeria.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the departed souls. May Almighty God console, comfort and strengthen them in this period of grief.
“We also extend our condolences to the government and people of Kano State for the brutal murder of these compatriots,” Shinkafi said.