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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, has called on students and members of the university community to stop recording violent incidents with their phones and instead report them promptly to security agencies, saying the trend is contributing to the growing wave of mob justice.
Prof. Ishaya made the appeal during a security meeting with students at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium. The meeting was convened in the aftermath of the killing of former UNIJOS student, Ibrahim Mbaya, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob after being accused of stealing a mobile phone.
Addressing students, staff, religious leaders and community stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor expressed concern that many people now choose to film crimes instead of taking steps that could save lives.
“We are one big family. Your own brother is in trouble and the only thing you can do is video and post. That must change,” he said.
Prof. Ishaya said the university was strengthening collaboration with host communities to improve security, adding that community leaders and landlords had pledged to support efforts aimed at protecting students living off campus.
He also announced that every student would receive the official contact number of the University’s Chief Security Officer, while the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies would also make their emergency lines available to ensure quick reporting of security threats.
“Management will circulate the official security hotlines to all students. We want everyone to have direct access to the Chief Security Officer and other security agencies because timely reporting can save lives,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, condemned mob justice and urged members of the public to always hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies.
“Even educated people get pulled in just by standing there and watching. Filming for social media or holding the person down makes you part of it. If your intention is evidence, take it straight to the police, not online,” Alabo said.
He explained that mob attacks often begin within seconds after someone raises an alarm of theft, noting that rumours, crowd gatherings and failure to contact security agencies have continued to fuel jungle justice.
The police spokesman advised citizens to immediately report suspected offenders to the nearest police station, preserve evidence for investigators rather than posting it online, and save emergency contact numbers to enable prompt intervention during emergencies.
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