A woman said to be mentally-challenged escaped being lynched by an angry mob on Wednesday after she was allegedly caught with N100,000, two BlackBerry phones, an android phone and two ATM cards.
The incident reminiscent the Clifford Orji saga occurred at Onabanjo Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos State, around 10am.
Residents said some youths suspected her to be her ritual killer after they saw some money with her, pounced on her and beat her to a pulp.
However, a policeman, who spoke anonymously said attempts to verify the allegations were fruitless.
He said, “I have been asking the woman questions all day, but she has just been incoherent. She has even refused to tell us her name. At some point, she just started crying, so I let her sleep. I don’t even know if she is a mad woman.
“Also, when she was arrested and we searched her, we did not find any money, phone or ATM cards on her. Nobody has come to write any statement here at the station.”
The General Secretary, Oworonshoki Youth Forum, Babajide Kabiawu, blamed the incident on the fear in the minds of people since the arrest of ritual killers in some South-West states.
He said there was a need for the government to set up a special task force at the community level.
He said, “I do not condone people taking the laws into their hands. However, it is a reflection of the level of insecurity coupled with the discovery of the activities of ritual killers in Oyo and Ogun states.
“The notorious cannibal, Clifford Oji, used to parade himself as a mad man as well. We have also seen cases in our neighbourhood where supposed mad people kidnapped children. We want the government to support the community in setting up a task force that will evacuate mentally-challenged people.”