The Plateau State Police Command has arrested some female students of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, following the circulation of a video showing the alleged assault of another female student.
The incident reportedly occurred in Pankshin Local Government Area of the state, with the footage attracting widespread attention after it was shared on social media.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued in Jos on Friday.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, immediately ordered the Area Commander in Pankshin to investigate the incident and apprehend everyone allegedly involved.
Alabo said the directive had been carried out, adding that the arrested students would be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
He explained that the suspects would be prosecuted after the investigation had been concluded.
Condemning the alleged attack, the police spokesperson warned that resorting to violence or jungle justice remained a criminal offence, regardless of the circumstances that might have led to a dispute.
He also cautioned that filming and sharing acts of violence online could result in additional criminal liability.
Alabo said, “It is not just you beating somebody or meting violence against your fellow human being; even having the mind to record it is cybercrime.”
He urged young people and members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands, advising those with grievances to seek intervention from the police or other legally authorised bodies.
He said, “Learn to report to a third party that has the authority to hear your matter and give you the justice that you deserve.”
The police spokesperson further appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information about criminal activities to security agencies, saying such cooperation would help prevent conflicts from escalating.
He reiterated that the arrested students would be transferred to the State CID and could face charges in court upon the completion of investigations.
“Stay clear of jungle justice. Report cases anytime you are aggrieved to the right and appropriate authority,” Alabo added.
