LAGOS — A suspected child kidnapper narrowly escaped death on Sunday after an angry mob attacked him at Odoloju Street, off Igbede Bridge near Sabo Cele Bus Stop in the Ojo area of Lagos State, following a failed attempt to abduct a seven-year-old boy using an alleged “touch and follow” tactic.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect approached the young boy during the holiday season and attempted to lure him away using alleged charm or hypnotic coercion.
Vigilant residents and passersby who noticed the suspicious interaction quickly intervened, rescuing the child from the suspect’s grip before he could flee the scene.
Enraged by the incident, a crowd gathered and subjected the suspect to jungle justice. The suspect was severely beaten and was on the verge of being set ablaze by the angry mob when police officers arrived at the scene.
Law enforcement personnel promptly rescued the injured suspect from the crowd, took him into custody, and transferred him to the station for medical treatment and further interrogation.
Community leaders and security analysts have reiterated calls for parents and guardians to maintain heightened vigilance over their children during the holiday season, while advising the public against resorting to mob action and jungle justice.
The police have commenced a full investigation into the incident to identify potential accomplices and determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted abduction.
