How a Suspicious Woman Was Lynched, Burnt Alive in Delta Over Alleged Child Kidnapping

A woman suspicious of child kidnapping has been reportedly lynched and burnt alive in Agbarho Community, Delta State.

Irate mob allegedly burned the woman after she was accused of attempting to kidnap a child.

It was gathered that the incident happened in Ekwvere Road after the woman was caught hiding a seven-year-old boy in a sack, raising suspicion among residents.

According to sources, when she was confronted, she appeared unstable and was found with a Bible in her hand.

“She was unstable when they asked her to disclose what she was carrying in the sack. When the bag was forced open, they found a seven year old child in it. They shouted and it attracted a large crowd,” a source said.

It was learnt that irate mobs who caught her, apparently took laws into their hands, beat her to stupor before setting her ablaze.

“Mobs swooped on her and forced a used tyre on her neck. The lady and the tyre were set ablaze,” the source added.

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“This lady was quite unlucky as the mob this time opted for instant justice, fearing that if she was handed over to the police, she might be released later.

“The angry mob probably chose to set her ablaze to send a clear message to those kidnapping children in the community to stay away from the town. With what has happened today, they will know it is no longer a police affair in the community,” a source in the community said.

In viral video, the mother of the was seen dragging the child away from the crowd.

Agbarho has been in the news over persistent cases of child abduction, with reports indicating that over 30 children have gone missing from the community in recent times.

Just last week, a young man in his 20s suspected of trying to abduct a child was caught and handed over to the police,

Local sources said that the extrajudicial justice would deter future kidnappings but Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe had earlier warned against jungle justice in tackling crimes.

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Edafe was yet to issue any statement on the incident as at press time on Wednesday.