Kwara Police confirm death of ‘destitute’ woman mistaken for kidnapper after mob attack
The Kwara State Police Command on Thursday, confirmed the death of a suspected kidnapper after sustaining injuries from the mob attack.
It was earlier gathered the female suspect was beaten beyond recognition by an angry mob at the popular Ipata Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, early Thursday morning.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the woman was apprehended after she was accused of attempting to abduct a child.
The source said Items reportedly recovered from her included four ATM cards and some documents.
The incident has stirred tension in the area, as it comes barely three months after a man narrowly escaped lynching in Ilorin when he was accused of attempting to kidnap a child.
However, confirming her death, the police said the woman, whom it described as a destitute, died at the General Hospital, Ilorin, where she was rushed to for medical attention.
The statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, read: “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to bring to the attention of the general public an unfortunate incident that occurred today (Thursday) 21/08/2025, at about 09:00hrs around the Ipata area of Ilorin.
“Information received that a woman, suspected to be destitute, was sighted wandering around the community; misinformed members of the public wrongly suspected her to be a kidnapper. In the ensuing circumstances, an irate mob descended on the woman, inflicting serious bodily harm.
”Upon swift mobilisation, Police patrol teams raced to the scene, rescued the victim and rushed her to the General Hospital, Ilorin, for urgent medical attention. Regrettably, the attending doctor confirmed her dead as a result of injuries sustained. Her remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while discreet investigation has commenced.
”The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the act of jungle justice, which not only undermines the rule of law but also poses grave danger to innocent lives. Security challenges cannot be resolved through mob action. Rather, they worsen insecurity and erode public safety.
”The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo urges members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to always report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police formation, he appeals to the good people of Kwara to partner with the Police in upholding law, order, and justice while rejecting all forms of mob violence.”
