In a tragic incident, the Plateau State Police Command has officially verified the gruesome killing of a commercial driver, Mr. Fwinbe Thomas, in Jos by individuals believed to be unruly elements.

The unfortunate event unfolded as Mr. Thomas, identified as the victim, unintentionally collided with a motorcycle rider on his way home after concluding his day’s work.

Troublingly, a group of irate individuals, purportedly agitated by the accident, proceeded to pursue the driver on their motorcycles. This relentless pursuit culminated in a violent assault on Mr. Thomas along Tudun Wada Ring Road in Jos, ultimately leading to his untimely demise.

Alabo Alfred, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, expressed strong condemnation for the actions of these hoodlums in an official statement released on Thursday. Concurrently, he confirmed the tragic demise of the driver, shedding light on the events surrounding the incident.

The statement reads, “The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Police Command, CP Okoro Julius Alawari, is deeply dismayed and unequivocally denounces the unlawful killing of Mr. Fwinbe Thomas, who was discovered lying in a pool of his own blood along Tudun Wada Ring Road, Hwolshe in Jos.”

“Following a report of the incident by a credible informant on 25/09/2023 at approximately 2230hrs, the Police Patrol Team assigned to Anglo-Jos Division promptly rushed to the scene of this heinous act. There, they discovered the victim in a grievous state, lying beside a damaged Suzuki Mini Bus with Registration Number KWK 536 XA. Mr. Thomas had sustained severe head injuries.”

“It is suspected that the victim was brutally beaten to death by a group of hoodlums, allegedly composed of commercial motorcyclists commonly referred to as ‘Okada Riders,’ whose operations in Jos Metropolis/Bukuru metropolis are illegal.”

The statement further assured the public that intensive efforts were underway to apprehend the assailants responsible for Mr. Thomas’s tragic end.

It continued, “The commissioner appeals for calm as the police is already on top of the situation.”

“He assures Plateau residents that the perpetrators of this appalling act will not escape justice, as there is no sanctuary for wrongdoers within the State.”

“The Plateau Police chief also issues a stern warning against those who administer ‘Jungle Justice,’ emphasizing that the Command, under his leadership, will not hesitate to bring to justice anyone found culpable of such inhumane actions.”

“He underscores the importance of citizens allowing law enforcement agencies to handle such cases instead of resorting to vigilantism.”

“Investigations into this case are ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public in due course.”

“The CP additionally uses this platform to inform the general public that the prohibition on the use of motorcycles, commonly known as Okada, within Jos Metropolis and Bukuru, remains in effect.”