Tension turned violent on Friday night in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State after three men accused of killing a traditional ruler were lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob in what residents described as a brutal act of jungle justice.
The victims were allegedly linked to the killing of the traditional head of Kwallak community, Ponzhi Kwallak, who was murdered in his home just a day earlier.
According to community sources, the monarch was attacked on Thursday night by armed assailants who invaded his residence, robbed him of his motorcycle, phone, and other valuables before killing him.
His death sparked outrage in the community, with youths launching a search for those responsible.
The situation escalated on Friday when the three suspects were reportedly found trying to sell the stolen motorcycle believed to belong to the slain traditional ruler. They were immediately confronted by residents and questioned on the spot.
Witnesses said the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, a development that further angered the crowd.
Although some community members reportedly attempted to hand them over to security operatives, the situation quickly spiralled out of control as a larger mob overpowered them.
“The community caught them where they were trying to sell the motorcycle, and they confessed. After that, the angry crowd descended on them and set them ablaze,” an eyewitness said.
The suspects were reportedly burnt near the Council Secretariat as the incident unfolded, with many residents watching helplessly.
While some locals justified the mob action as retaliation for the killing of the traditional ruler, others condemned it, warning that such acts of jungle justice deepen insecurity and undermine the rule of law.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, with attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, unsuccessful.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the rise of mob justice in parts of Nigeria, often fuelled by frustration over insecurity and delays in formal justice processes.
