Police in Sapele, Delta State, have arrested two women and a group of vigilantes following an incident where a 20-year-old boy was allegedly beaten and burned.
The victim, Abubakar Yusuf, was reportedly assaulted and set on fire by individuals suspected to be vigilantes after being accused of stealing 400,000 naira from a lockup store at Sapele Market. The accusation was made by a woman named Mrs. Onoriode.
According to sources, Onoriode, who had accused Abubakar, a wheelbarrow pusher at the market, of theft, called in vigilantes to apprehend him. The vigilantes allegedly beat Abubakar severely before setting him ablaze.
Another source revealed that Onoriode’s sister later admitted to taking the money for safekeeping from the lockup store. After Abubakar was released by the vigilantes, Onoriode and some market women reportedly took him to a local chemist for treatment.
The case was later taken up by a Human Rights team led by Comrade Kingsley Imode, who reported the matter to the police. A police source confirmed that two women and the vigilante group involved have been arrested. The police have pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure justice is served.
Abubakar is currently receiving treatment at Sapele Central Hospital.