SAY NO TO JUNGLE JUSTICE
He was chased from the school cafeteria, down the stadium road and off to the mechanic village. People kept throwing stones at him and the number of runners kept increasing as they went on. It all began as a race of five chasing after a thief, the leader of a gang that had robbed and molested students for a long time, striping students of their mobile gadgets, money and even going as far as raping some. Their victim this time had managed to let out a scream and students who were studying at the lecture theatre abandoned their books, took to their heels and chased after them.
"Ole! Ino! Ole! Ino!” They kept screaming as they ran after them. Some diverted the stadium road and ran ahead. And finally, they caught him, seized him and tortured him. Heaps of stones were already on him as everyone just wanted to have their share of revenge with no feeling of pity or sympathy for a thief who despite being beaten by a mob of over thirty still claimed to be innocent.
They were well convinced that he was an experienced thief for the girl who was robbed clearly said that the leader of the gang was fair skinned and wore a red shirt. Vehicles that passed packed and spat at him. Spat at the handsome guy that turned himself into a thief. Spat at the child whose mother must have toiled to raise. "I’m innocent. I’m just returning from watching a football match" he screamed but no one cared to listen to him.
"Ole! Ino! Ole! Ino!” was the evening chorus as onlookers told passersby who in turn told any who cared to hear the news. In less than five minutes someone contributed a tyre. Another made provision for petrol and over five people had lighters with them. No one felt pity for him. No one believed his lies. They hung the tyre on his neck, spilled petrol on him and set him on fire. Then the police siren was heard from a distance and people began distancing themselves from the burnt offering.
The police drove in with a van loaded with men in the back, handcuffed and tortured. “He is innocent” A soft voice screamed from the van as she jumped out and ran to the burning man, trying to blow off the fire with air from her mouth. “He is innocent; the thieves have been apprehended and are in the police van”. Stones, wooden planks, and bottles landed on the ground as people took a second look at the Final year Law student that was on fire, struggling with dire pains. Burned for wearing red, burned for being fair skinned, burned for being innocent.
This story is an act of **Jungle Justice,** a common practice where an alleged criminal is severely beaten, humiliated, in some cases murdered by a crowd or vigilantes. This action is inhumane, barbaric and unlawful. It is wrong to take the life of another. People see this as the fastest means for apprehending criminals, cos they lack faith in the judicial system.
For crying out loud, we're in the 21st century! Why take laws into your hands? Are you killing the right person? I don't support stealing or any other criminal acts; but why fight crimes, acting like criminals? Just like from the story, it has claimed the lives of several innocent people. This barbaric act needs to be stopped, it is uncalled for. If a criminal is caught, hand him/her to the appropriate authorities, at least let justice be served.
We are all humans, we need to show each other love, kindness and compassion. let's make the world a better place.
Say no to Jungle Justice and save a life today.
Jungle justice is inhumane, it's is a product of lawlessness, and act contrary to love.
#SayNoToJungleJustice
Yes, thanks for your support.
PS: Apologies for the late response.
this is the same thing that happened to an eight year old boy who stole bread because he was hungry. Mothers and fathers stoned this boy and burnt him to death. The government that loots billions, hindering development are praised. An 8 year old killed because he stole bread of eighty naira. pathetic
Quite pathetic my dear. I wish people can come to the understanding of loving one another and putting aside human differences.
PS: Apologies for the late response.
This is the reason why we remain underdeveloped. Its the same reason why developed countries look down on Africa. Activities such as jungle justice does not show we are humans but animals. Jungle justice must end in Nigeria. I didn't understand the negative side of this act until I witnessed it in my first year in school. The victim was totally innocent but who would believe him. By the time the truth came out, an innocent life had already been lost....like so many.
Sad indeed!
You can imagine! We've lost too many innocent souls to this barbaric act. Yes, it must be stopped. Thanks for your support.
PS : Apologies for the late response.
Funny thing is that Nigeria has fully turn into a jungle with news of animals making away with huge sum of money these days....
It baffles me and I can't stop thinking what the world in general think of us the days...
The saddest part of it is that mostly innocent individuals go through this jungle justice and our big thieves are out there big-stouting and ishiewulizing.... Too bad
Nice post @jeline
Lol, thanks dear.
We are the cause of our problems. Who are the people involved in this gruesome act? People on the street, not the big thieves. God help us in this country, cos humans are becoming animals and making away with so much money.
PS: Apologies for the late response.
Nice one
Thanks for stopping by
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