There was confusion on Agbe Road in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State on Wednesday after a suspected kidnapper snatched a girl from her mother and attempted to escape with her on a motorcycle.
Our correspondent learnt that the mother of the two-year-old, while raising the alarm that her daughter was abducted by the kidnapper, chased the motorcycle.
PUNCH Metro gathered that her cry got the attention of some pedestrians and motorcyclists who also joined in the chase.
They were said to have caught up with the suspect, identified only as Haruna, dragged him from the motorcycle and beaten him to a pulp.
The 35-year-old suspect, who was stripped naked and injured, was reportedly handed over to policemen from the Oko Oba division.
A motorcyclist in the area, who gave his name only as Saheed, said the suspect, while at speed, dropped the girl when he realised the woman and other motorcyclists were on his trail.
He added that the decision did not pacify the mob, who were determined to get him.
He said, “The child was walking beside the mother around 3pm; they were heading for a shop. The suspect, who rode a motorcycle, suddenly grabbed the child and sped off. The woman started shouting and running after the man.
“Although the man was almost out of sight, other motorcyclists and pedestrians began to give him a chase. There was confusion in the area as everyone mobilised to assist the woman get the kidnapper.
“We thank God that it was a successful effort. When the man saw that other motorcyclists were closing in on him, he dropped the girl, but the people refused to turn back.
“He was caught and stripped naked; he got the beating of his life. He was almost killed by the mob before some people dragged him to the Oko Oba Police Station.”
Our correspondent learnt that the child was taken to a hospital for treatment for the injuries she sustained during the incident.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.
She said, “Haruna was apprehended by members of the public and handed over to the police. He sustained injuries from the mob attack. He is currently undergoing treatment under custody. He will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”
PUNCH NG
