The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a United States-based medical doctor from mob action following a false kidnapping alarm in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident occurred on Monday around the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, along the Eleyele-Ido Road.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, officers responded to a distress call reporting that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob.
A combined team of patrol and detective officers from the Eleyele Police Station immediately moved to the scene and successfully rescued the victim from the crowd.
However, before the arrival of the police, the mob had already set his Lexus RX 330 SUV ablaze.
Two girls identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were found inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody alongside the victim for further investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim, identified simply as Dr. Afolabi, is a medical doctor based in the United States and not a kidnapper as alleged in viral social media reports.
Police said suspicion arose after the vehicle’s window was lowered and the two girls were allegedly seen half-naked inside the car, leading bystanders and security personnel to raise alarm.
The situation reportedly escalated after the doctor was unable to provide satisfactory answers to questions at the scene and allegedly attempted to turn away from a checkpoint, further heightening suspicion.
Police also stated that the inability of the two girls to communicate effectively in English or the local language contributed to the false kidnapping alarm.
The misunderstanding eventually led to a mob chase and the interception of the doctor by angry youths who reportedly ignored his explanations and assaulted him, inflicting serious injuries before police officers intervened.
The police said statements had been obtained from eyewitnesses, including an okada rider allegedly injured during the incident, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the mob attack and destruction of property.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, condemned the mob action and the spread of false information capable of causing tension and undermining security in the state.
He warned residents against jungle justice, self-help and the circulation of unverified reports on social media, stressing that such actions threaten public peace and order.
The commissioner also directed a full investigation into the incident and ordered the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the attack.
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