Kwara Govt Vows Justice Over Mob Killing Of Woman In Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has vowed to bring to book those behind the gruesome lynching of a woman, simply identified as Khadijat, who was wrongly accused of child kidnapping in Ilorin.

The victim, a resident of Ile Lase in the Oke-Apomu axis of the metropolis, was set upon by a mob at the popular Ipata Market last week after being falsely linked to kidnap activities.

Eyewitnesses alleged that she was found with four ATM cards, while her mobile phone was smashed during the assault. Despite efforts by policemen to rescue her, Khadijat was rushed to the General Hospital, Ilorin, where she later died of severe injuries.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said operatives were deployed to the scene but the woman could not survive the mob attack.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, condemned the killing, describing it as “barbaric, uncivilised and unacceptable.” She maintained that the government would not condone any form of jungle justice that undermines peace and order in the state.

“Taking the law into one’s hands is an act of incivility and will not be tolerated. Citizens are enjoined to hand over suspects to the security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution,” she warned.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has denied the allegation of kidnapping, insisting Khadijat was a long-time sufferer of ill health.

In a viral video, her younger sister narrated the struggles she faced.

“She left behind children, and we all supported her. At times, she begged for food. For decades, she battled serious health problems, the same illness that killed our parents,” she said in tears.

The grieving family has appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

“She must not die in vain. Those responsible for this wickedness must face justice. We want justice for Khadijat,” the family declared.