A mob in Ilorin on Thursday lynched a destitute woman after being falsely accused of kidnapping.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:00 a.m. in the popular Ipata market area of the Kwara State capital.
The Hope report revealed that members of the public mistook the victim for a kidnapper, after which the mob quickly descended on her, beating her severely, eyewitnesses said.
Police patrol teams were said to have rescued the woman from the scene to the General Hospital, Ilorin, where doctors confirmed she had died from the injuries sustained.
It was gathered that her body has since been deposited in the hospital mortuary.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command has condemned the mob action, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement warned against jungle justice, saying it undermines the rule of law and endangers innocent lives.
Also, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that mob violence only worsens insecurity.
“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the act of jungle justice. Security challenges cannot be resolved through mob action. We urge residents to partner with the police in upholding law, order, and justice,” the statement read in part.
According to the police, investigations into the incident have commenced.
