Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The police have arrested female students of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, over a viral video showing the alleged assault of another female student in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, after the police became aware of the video circulating on social media.
Police spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Jos, saying the Area Commander in Pankshin was directed to immediately investigate the incident and apprehend those involved.
“Immediately the CP got wind of it, he directed the Area Commander in Pankshin LGC to act immediately, which they have done,” he said.
Alabo said the arrested students would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after preliminary investigations and could face court charges when the investigation is concluded.
The police spokesperson condemned the alleged assault and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that jungle justice and other forms of violence are criminal offences.
He also cautioned that recording and uploading acts of violence on social media could expose those involved to additional criminal charges.
“In the process of committing this crime, sometimes you will commit several other crimes,
“It is not just you beating somebody or meting violence against your fellow human being; even having the mind to record it is cybercrime,” Alabo said.
He urged youths and other residents to settle disputes through lawful channels by reporting grievances to the police or other authorised security agencies.
“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.
Alabo appealed to members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information to enable them to intervene quickly and prevent disputes from escalating.
“Stay clear of jungle justice. Report cases anytime you are aggrieved to the right and appropriate authority,” he said.
