Suspected ritualist burnt to death in Niger state

An angry mob has burnt a suspected ritualist simply identified as Sani to death in Lapai town, the headquarters of Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.

Daily Trust reported that the suspect was caught with two little girls on Friday, August 18, around 1pm and was immediately set ablaze.

An eyewitness Abdullahi Yahaya told the publication; 

“There have been several reported cases of missing children in Lapai town in the last one year. Some children were later found alive while some were killed for ritual. Residents felt that each time they caught the suspects and handed them over to security agencies, they later find them on the street after few days. That was what prompted the mob action.” 

Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun who confirmed the incident said the suspect was accused of stealing a baby around the burial ground area of Lapai.

Abiodun said; 

“On the receipt of the information, DPO Lapai mobilised and led a patrol team to the scene, but before the police arrived at the scene, an irate mob armed with cutlasses and other weapons had beaten the suspect to a coma and set him ablaze.

“Efforts were made to put out the fire and rescue him. Unfortunately, he was burnt beyond recognition, while the body was later evacuated to the General Hospital? Lapai.”

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in the state had already directed investigation into the matter with a view to arresting and bringing the perpetrators to book.

Members of the public have also been asked to desist from self-help and report incidents to the police for immediate intervention.