Angry Mob Lynches Suspected Female Child Kidnapper At Popular Ilorin Market

Tension gripped parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Wednesday when an angry mob descended on a suspected female child kidnapper and beat her to death at one of the city’s busiest markets.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the incident occurred in the afternoon when the woman, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, allegedly attempted to abduct a young child from his mother while she was busy attending to customers. The mother reportedly raised the alarm after noticing the suspicious movement of the woman, drawing the attention of traders and passersby.

Within minutes, the shout of “ole, ole” (meaning thief) spread across the market, leading to chaos as the crowd rushed towards the woman. Despite her desperate pleas and efforts to escape, the mob pounced on her, beating her with sticks, stones, and other objects until she became unconscious.

Attempts by a few bystanders to rescue the suspect proved unsuccessful as the enraged mob continued the assault until she gave up the ghost. Traders quickly abandoned their stalls as security operatives struggled to disperse the crowd.

A witness, who gave his name simply as Ismail, said: “The woman was caught trying to snatch a small boy. If not for the quick reaction of the child’s mother, she would have succeeded. People around immediately chased her down. The anger was too much; nobody wanted to listen.”

Officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Kwara State Command, later arrived at the scene and evacuated the lifeless body of the suspect. The incident caused heavy traffic gridlock around the market as onlookers gathered in their hundreds.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ejire Adewale, condemned the mob action, stressing that jungle justice remains unlawful. He noted that the Command had commenced an investigation into the alleged attempted abduction and urged residents to always hand over suspects to the police rather than taking laws into their hands.

“We understand the anger and fear that incidents of child kidnapping provoke in the community, but we must remind everyone that mob action is a crime. The case is under investigation, and the public will be updated on our findings,” Adewale said.

The incident has since triggered widespread fear among parents and guardians in Ilorin, with many expressing concern over the increasing reports of child abduction attempts in some parts of the city. Community leaders have also called for improved security surveillance and vigilance within marketplaces and schools to prevent similar tragedie