Date: 2017-12-22

The United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP), an NGO, has condemned the lynching of a woman caught allegedly trying to kidnap two children from their school in Ilorin on the pretence of being sent by their mother.

UGRFP's Executive Director, Mr Olaseni Shalom, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said that such act was cruel and extra-judicial. Shalom said that the woman was apprehended by the school authorities; and while the school management was deliberating on what to do with her, a passerby heard the mother's condemnations and raised an alarm. He said that the passerby's alarm attracted a huge crowd to the scene which led the woman away and set her ablaze.

When contacted, Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident, adding that the deed had been done before policemen arrived the scene.

"This act should be condemned globally; it is an act of intolerance; impatience as well as cruelty.

"The woman had already been apprehended and further actions would have been taken against her in the court of law.

"The law was made for a reason and such lawlessness should not be condoned."

UGRFP said that in furtherance of its efforts to promote peace, the group held a meeting with the traditional ruler of Ikare Akoko, Ondo, Oba Akadiri Momoh, as well as the Dean of Student Affairs, Adeyemi College of Education, Mr Olaniyi Olaluwoye.

He said that both meetings emphasised on the ineffectiveness and corrupt nature of the judicial system.

Shalom said that the meetings pointed out the work needed to be done in order to fully stop jungle justice.

The executive director said that the group also met with the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at Ondo-West Local Government Area.

"This meeting was held to understand the role of the law enforcement agencies in tackling jungle justice and what can be done to restore trust between law enforcement agencies and the people.

"The NSCDC identified the major causes of jungle justice as Ignorance, disregard for the rule of law and lack of trust in the society," he said.

He said that the proposed deliberative meeting scheduled for Thursday in Igbokoda, Ilaje area of Ondo State had been postponed due to the high level of insecurity in the area.

Shalom said that the group was advised by security agencies to put off the meeting.

He added that UGRFP was still making efforts to restore peace in the area and ensure that attackers of Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo were brought to book.