The Plateau State Police Command has arrested some female students following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing them assaulting another female student in Pankshin Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Jos, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, directed the Area Commander in Pankshin to immediately investigate the incident and arrest those involved.
According to him, the directive was issued as soon as the Commissioner became aware of the video, with police officers in Pankshin subsequently taking action.
“Immediately the CP got wind of it, he directed the Area Commander in Pankshin LGC to act immediately, which they have done,” Alabo said.
The police spokesperson said the arrested students would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, after preliminary investigations. He added that the suspects would be charged in court after the investigation is concluded.
The police condemned the alleged assault and warned residents, particularly young people, against resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.
Alabo described jungle justice and other forms of violence as criminal offences, stressing that disagreements should be handled through lawful channels.
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He also warned that recording and uploading acts of violence on social media could potentially expose those involved to additional criminal liability, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws. “In the process of committing this crime, sometimes you will commit several other crimes,” he said.
Alabo urged youths and other members of the public to report disputes and grievances to the police or other authorized agencies 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 added.
The command also appealed to residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to help prevent criminal incidents from escalating.
According to the police, early reporting can allow security agencies to intervene promptly and take appropriate action when necessary.
Alabo reiterated that the arrested students would be transferred to the State CID following preliminary investigations and could subsequently face charges in court.
“Stay clear of jungle justice. Report cases anytime you are aggrieved to the right and appropriate authority,” he said.
It was reported that the students involved are from the Federal University of Education in Pankshin. The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate legal action.
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