The Federal Government has advised Nigerians against meting out jungle justice or lynching of suspected terrorists instead, such cases should be reported to relevant authorities.
The advice was contained in a statement issued and signed by coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri.
Omeri expressed worry over the increasing number of jungle justice in the country by citizens.
“The National Information Centre (NIC) has noted with dismay, a new culture of ‘self-help’ gradually creeping into the Nigerian society.
“This is buttressed by the growing number of cases where people rightly or wrongly suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents are lynched without recourse to the law”, the statement stated.
The statement further noted that “this unacceptable development must not be allowed to fester in our society. Nigerians are advised to desist from ‘self-help’ and resorting to ‘jungle justice’ and rather report suspicious persons to law enforcement agencies”.
The NIC also commended Nigerians for their peaceful conduct during and after the presidential and National Assembly elections.
“The NIC has also noted the high voters’ turnout, the dedication and patience of Nigerian voters and believes that in itself, is a triumph of Nigerian democracy.
“The recorded high voters’ turnout, especially in areas that were previously under Boko Haram threat or control, for example in Maiduguri, is a clear result of the Nigerian military’s successes in securing our country and the Nigerian people’s faith in this government to provide both safe and democratic election.
“It is a testament to the atmosphere of security and sense of safety that this government has delivered to the people”, the statement added.
The NIC also said “our military and security agencies’ commitment and brave service has made this election possible, and giving our soldiers more time to make the necessary headway against Boko Haram has ensured that Nigerians in the conflict areas participated in the election”.
