What began as a routine motorcycle accident in Suleja turned deadly when police discovered three AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 104 rounds of ammunition in a bag belonging to the riders.

The crash occurred Tuesday as two men rode from Tafa in Kaduna State toward Abuja and ran into a road construction barrier. One rider died instantly at the scene. The second, initially alive, was reportedly attacked and killed by a mob that rushed in, claiming to “rescue” him.

Niger State Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident Thursday, noting that Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman strongly condemned the act of mob justice. Authorities stressed that the surviving rider could have provided crucial information on the origin of the weapons and their intended use.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into both the mob attack and the source of the firearms,” Abiodun said, adding that the rifles are undergoing ballistic tests to support the inquiry.

The incident has reignited concerns about community violence and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands. Police are appealing to residents to allow law enforcement to handle criminal cases to prevent further loss of life.

The bodies of the victims were taken to Suleja General Hospital morgue, and police are actively investigating and seeking those responsible for the lynching.