The Plateau State Police Command has arrested some female students of the Federal University of Education in Pankshin following a viral video that showed them attacking another female student in Pankshin Local Government Area of the state. The incident, reportedly sparked by a dispute over a boyfriend, prompted the police to act swiftly after the video surfaced online.
Police Commissioner Orders Immediate Action
The command's spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the arrests in a statement released at the weekend. Alabo said the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, directed the Area Commander in Pankshin to investigate the incident and arrest those involved immediately.
“Immediately the CP got wind of it, he directed the Area Commander in Pankshin LGC to act immediately, which they have done,” Alabo stated. The suspects have been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Suspects to Face Charges After Transfer to State CID
Alabo explained that the arrested students will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after preliminary investigations are concluded. He added that the suspects will subsequently be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
“Stay clear of jungle justice. Report cases anytime you are aggrieved to the right and appropriate authority,” Alabo said, reiterating the command's commitment to ensuring legal processes are followed.
Warning on Recording and Uploading Violent Acts
The police spokesman condemned the alleged attack, describing jungle justice and other forms of violence as criminal offences. He also warned that recording and uploading violent acts on social media could expose perpetrators to additional criminal charges, including cybercrime-related offences.
“In the process of committing this crime, sometimes you will commit several other crimes,” Alabo said. “It is not just you beating somebody or meting violence against your fellow human being; even having the mind to record it is cybercrime.”
Appeal to Youths and Residents
Alabo urged youths and other residents to refrain from taking the law into their hands, regardless of the circumstances surrounding any disagreement. He advised them to report grievances to appropriate authorities instead of resorting to violence.
“Learn to report to a third party that has the authority to hear your matter and give you the justice that you deserve,” he said. The spokesman also appealed to the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, which would enable them to promptly intervene and prevent situations from escalating.
The arrested students will be transferred to the State CID and subsequently charged in court after investigations, as confirmed by Alabo.
