Angry mob in Niger State burns suspected ritualist to death (Video)
Story from Hamzat Ibrahim ABAGA, Maimunat MOHAMMAD
A suspected child trafficker was set ablaze in Lapai, the administrative centre of Lapai local government area in Niger State.
The incident happened on Friday, 18th August 2023, just before the Jumma’t prayer.
The suspect, identified as Sule Sakon Kano, was apprehended with two small children in his custody, igniting the rage of the mob.
During interrogation, he shockingly admitted to his involvement in the sinister practice for a considerable period. He confessed to stealing and selling small children to an undisclosed “master” within the vicinity.
The backdrop of this gruesome incident was a series of disturbing child disappearances, both within and outside Lapai town, over recent months.
The community’s patience had worn thin due to the continued unsolved cases.
The suspect’s arrest took place as he was captured with the two little kids, aged between four and five years old, apparently en route to an undisclosed destination.
The children were sent on a routine errand to purchase household items from a local shop around 1:30 p.m before they were snatched away by the criminal.
According to Abdullahi Yahaya, a resident of the area, the man was suspected to be a ritualist and was immediately burnt to death by the angry villagers.
He confirmed that before the suspect met his fiery fate, he openly confessed to the crime, admitting his intentions to hand over the two innocent children to his co-conspirator.
He said the frustration and anger over the recurring child abductions led the outraged community members to take justice into their own hands, and the suspect was burnt beyond recognition.
When contacted, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and stated that the suspect was accused of stealing a baby around the burial ground area of Lapai.
He further explained that upon receiving the information, the DPO of Lapai mobilised and led a patrol team to the scene.
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Before the police could arrive, the angry mob armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons had beaten the suspect to a coma and then set him ablaze.
DSP Abiodun said despite efforts to rescue him and put off the flames, the suspect succumbed to the hot fire and died at the scene.
Abiodun urged members of the public to avoid taking laws into their own hands but should endeavour to report any suspicious criminal activity to the appropriate authorities.
What do you think of this story and the ideology of jungle justice in Nigeria?
Watch video of the mob attack (Warning: Gory Video)
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