By Abdullahi Inuwa
BIRNIN KEBBI — The Kebbi State Police Command has thwarted an attempt by an angry mob to lynch two men accused of stealing motorcycles, while recovering seven motorcycles abandoned during the ensuing violence in Birnin Kebbi.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 26, in the Gesse Phase 1 area of the state capital, where tension reportedly erupted after residents accused two men — identified as Rufai Salihu and Aliyu Muhammad — of involvement in motorcycle theft.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, police operatives were quickly deployed to the scene after the suspects came under attack by the mob.
The officers rescued the two men from the crowd and took them to safety. Both suspects sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The situation, however, took a more dangerous turn when the mob allegedly attempted to attack a police facility in the area.
Police reinforcement was immediately mobilised to contain the situation, forcing the crowd to disperse. In the aftermath, officers recovered and impounded seven motorcycles reportedly abandoned at the scene.
The two suspects remain in police custody and are assisting investigators as the Command works to determine their alleged involvement in motorcycle theft and trace other individuals who may be linked to the suspected criminal network.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, condemned the resort to jungle justice, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the appropriate authorities to investigate allegations and prosecute offenders through lawful procedures.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning that individuals involved in mob violence, attacks on police personnel or government facilities would be made to face the full weight of the law.
The Command appealed for calm and continued cooperation from residents, stressing that community support remains crucial in the fight against motorcycle theft and other forms of criminality in the state.
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