An angry mob lynched and set ablaze a woman accused of attempting to kidnap a child in Agbarho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Eyewitnesses said the woman allegedly hid a seven-year-old boy inside a sack and was dragging it along Ekwvere Road while carrying a Bible in one hand.
Residents reportedly grew suspicious and confronted her about the contents of the sack. According to community sources, she appeared nervous and refused to explain, prompting locals to force the bag open.
“When they opened the sack, they found a seven-year-old child inside. People immediately raised the alarm, which drew a large crowd,” one source said.
The mob reportedly beat the woman severely before placing a used tyre around her neck and setting her on fire.
The incident has reignited fear in Agbarho, where residents have complained of a surge in missing children. Community leaders claim that more than 30 children have disappeared in the area over the past year.
Just last week, a man in his 20s was reportedly apprehended for a similar attempted abduction and handed over to the police.
“This lady was quite unlucky as the mob this time opted for instant justice, fearing that if she was handed over to the police, she might be released later. The angry mob probably chose to set her ablaze to send a clear message to those kidnapping children in the community to stay away from the town. With what has happened today, they will know it is no longer a police affair in the community,” a source in the community said.
