AGBARHO, Nigeria (BN24) — Police in Delta State have launched a full-scale manhunt for suspects involved in the brutal lynching of a woman falsely accused of child abduction in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The killing, which took place in broad daylight on Wednesday, has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
The victim, identified as Mrs. Afornughe, was attacked by a mob after being accused of hiding a young boy in a sack, a claim now under scrutiny. Eyewitnesses said she was beaten and set on fire in front of horrified residents who, despite recognizing her, were too afraid to intervene.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Agbarho community, where rising fear over child abduction cases has led to an increase in mob-driven violence.
Speaking on Thursday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and denounced the extrajudicial killing.
“No suspect has been arrested yet. We are on the trail of those who carried out the dastardly act. Nobody has the monopoly on violence, and no one should take the law into their own hands,” Edafe said.
He assured the public that the Command would spare no effort in apprehending those responsible, adding that full investigations were underway.
Police have also called for calm in Agbarho and urged residents to allow due process rather than resorting to mob action.
Despite the widespread claim that she was attempting to kidnap a child, those who knew Mrs. Afornughe says the accusation was not only false, but tragically misguided.
Local youth leader and cleric, Ambrose Germany, condemned the lynching in a Facebook post, describing the deceased as a familiar face in the community, a church member, and a vendor who sold watermelon at the local market.
“We know her. We know she sells watermelon. We know the church she was wedded in. We know she is a little mentally imbalanced. We know she is innocent. We know God is a righteous judge,” Germany wrote.
He also revealed that her husband, an offshore oil worker, had recently departed for duty just days before the tragedy occurred.
Germany added that while some residents recognized her during the assault, they were too frightened to intervene as the crowd spiraled out of control.
Agbarho, like many parts of southern Nigeria, has in recent months witnessed a spike in rumors and fear-driven actions related to alleged child abductions. Parents have increasingly resorted to keeping children indoors, and school attendance has dropped since the beginning of the new academic term.
Locals blame a growing sense of insecurity and a perceived failure of law enforcement to address real or perceived threats of kidnapping. In this climate, some residents have begun to take matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences.
Wednesday’s killing has drawn harsh criticism from civil society advocates who warn that Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with mob justice continues to erode public trust and endanger vulnerable members of society, especially those with mental health challenges.
Rights groups and mental health advocates are urging the Delta State government to address both the immediate case and the broader societal issues that allowed such violence to occur unchecked.
“This is not just about one woman,” said a Lagos-based human rights lawyer who requested anonymity. “It’s about a culture of fear, misinformation, and impunity that has led to too many innocent people being murdered in the name of vigilante justice.”
As police continue their investigation, many in Agbarho and beyond are asking: How many more must die before the cycle of mob violence ends?
For verified updates on this case and similar stories, follow [Delta State Police Command] or visit credible news sources.
If you have information that could aid the investigation, contact Delta Police through their official emergency lines or report anonymously.
