By Adesina Quadri Ademola
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned in strong terms the mob action that led to the death of a woman at Ipata Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The victim, believed to be a destitute, was reportedly mistaken for a child kidnapper and lynched by an irate crowd before police officers intervened and rushed her to the General Hospital in Ilorin, where she later died from her injuries.
Reacting to the incident, the Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the attack as “barbaric, reprehensible, and totally against Nigeria’s national values.” He warned that jungle justice undermines the rule of law, threatens public safety, and fuels fear and mistrust in society.
“The act is a violation of both our collective humanity and the law. It is only constitutionally empowered institutions that have the mandate to investigate and prosecute alleged offenders,” Issa-Onilu said in a statement issued on Friday.
The NOA boss aligned with the Kwara State Police Command in urging citizens to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that mob violence cannot substitute due process.
He further announced that the Agency would intensify its National Reorientation Campaign by collaborating with community leaders, security agencies, and media stakeholders to deepen public enlightenment on civic responsibility, conflict resolution, and respect for human life.
The Agency called on Nigerians to exercise patience, empathy, and patriotism in handling issues of public concern, emphasising that justice must always be pursued through lawful channels.
