Tension erupted at the popular Ipata Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday morning when a woman suspected of attempting to kidnap a child was beaten to death by an angry mob.Mob Kills Woman Accused of Attempted Child Kidnapping in Ilorin
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the woman was caught after being accused of trying to abduct a young child at the market. Items allegedly found on her included four ATM cards and some documents.
The incident has caused fear and unrest among residents, especially as it happened barely three months after another man was accused of attempted child kidnapping in Ilorin. In that earlier case, police arrived on time and rescued the suspect from being lynched.
As of the time of this report, the Kwara State Police Command had not yet issued an official statement about Thursday’s incident.
Background of Similar Cases
This is not the first time Ilorin has witnessed mob action over suspected child kidnappers.
On May 17, 2015, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a man accused of trying to kidnap a child in the city. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the man—whose name was not released—was arrested on Friday, May 16, 2015, around 7:00 p.m. by a joint team of police officers and community vigilante members.
The suspect, who claimed to be from Osun State, was nearly lynched by a mob before security operatives stepped in and rescued him. He was later taken into police custody for investigation.
Community Concerns
The latest killing at Ipata Market has sparked renewed concerns about child safety and the increasing cases of mob justice in Ilorin. While residents express fear of kidnappers, security experts warn that mob actions often lead to loss of lives without proper investigations, making it difficult to know the truth.
Authorities are expected to release an official statement soon to calm the growing tension.
