Gombe police condemn mob killing of suspected thief in Kumo

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

The Gombe State Police Command has condemned the brutal killing of a 22-year-old man by a group of youths in Kumo, the headquarters of Akko Local Government Area (LGA), describing the act as a clear case of jungle justice and a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, August 7, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the victim, identified as Dauda Ahmed, was allegedly attacked and lynched by four individuals who accused him of involvement in a string of motorcycle thefts plaguing the community.

Abdullahi stated that the incident occurred on August 6, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m. in the Sarkin Yaki area of Kumo. Preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers, armed with machetes, inflicted severe injuries to the victim’s head and stomach, leaving him unconscious. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Kumo by police operatives but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Two suspects, identified as 20-year-old Babayo Musa and 18-year-old Zaidu Sani, both residents of Jauro Musa Quarters, have been apprehended. During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to participating in the assault, citing community frustrations over repeated motorcycle snatching as the motive.

Abdullahi added that the police are currently pursuing the remaining suspects, identified as Sulaiman and Usama, who are still at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance policy for mob action, warning that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the allegations involved. He said, “The Command strongly condemns any form of mob action or vigilantism. Members of the public are reminded that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the allegations involved. Such acts are criminal and punishable under the law.”

“We urge all residents to channel grievances, suspicions, or reports of criminal activity to the nearest police station for lawful investigation and appropriate action,” the PPRO stated, calling on residents and communities in the state to avoid retaliatory or extrajudicial actions, stressing that the sanctity of human life must be preserved under all circumstances.

He further announced that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.