A dramatic scene unfolded in Ughelli, Delta State, on Wednesday, as a suspected child thief narrowly escaped mob justice after allegedly attempting to steal a two-month-old baby from a home in broad daylight. The shocking incident took place in the Ughelli North Local Government Area, throwing the quiet neighborhood into chaos.
The baby, identified as Eric Oghenevwede Oghenekparobo, was reportedly sleeping inside his parents’ home when a man, later identified as Lucky, allegedly crept into the bedroom and attempted to flee with the child. His plans were thwarted when the baby’s mother, Mrs. Oke Oghenekparobo spotted him and raised the alarm.
“I saw a strange man walking out of our house with my baby in his arms,” the 28-year-old mother tearfully recounted. “I screamed for help, and he immediately dropped my son and tried to escape. He scaled the fence, but neighbours gave chase.”
Eyewitnesses said the suspect was apprehended a short distance away by residents who responded swiftly to the mother’s cry for help. The alleged kidnapper was said to have initially denied the act, claiming the real suspect had fled. But residents weren’t buying his story.
“One of the youths in the area recognized him and exposed the lie,” a witness said. “Even then, he was not remorseful. He boldly told us that nothing would happen to him and that the police would release him in no time.”
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The mob reportedly attempted to mete out jungle justice on the suspect, but timely intervention by police operatives from the Ughelli Area Command saved him from being lynched. He was whisked away and is currently in custody as investigations continue.
In his defence, the suspect insisted he was wrongly accused. “I came to visit a bricklayer friend in the area,” he claimed. “I have children too. I don’t know why they’re accusing me.”
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who are calling for heightened security and swift justice. The Delta State Police Command has yet to release an official statement, but sources confirm that the matter is under thorough investigation.
This alarming attempt to abduct an innocent child in broad daylight has left the Ughelli community shaken, renewing calls for community vigilance and tougher penalties for child theft across Nigeria.
Keyword:Mob rescues 2-month-old baby
Synonyms: Baby kidnap attempt in Delta, Child theft in Nigeria, Ughelli suspected kidnapper, Mob rescues baby, Attempted child abduction Delta State, Jungle justice Nigeria, Police arrest baby thief.
