Two women have been arrested by the Sapele Police Division in connection with the brutal beating and burning of a 20-year-old boy, Abubakar Yusuf, at the Sapele Market. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, had sparked outrage and condemnation within the community.
According to reports, Abubakar was accused of stealing ₦400,000 from a lockup store belonging to Mrs. Onoriode. He was apprehended by men suspected to be vigilantes and subjected to vicious assault, leaving him severely injured. The vigilantes then reportedly set him ablaze, causing further harm.
A source at the Sapele Main Market revealed that Mrs. Onoriode accused Abubakar, a wheelbarrow pusher at the market, of stealing the money from her lockup store. During an argument, she summoned the vigilantes to arrest him. Abubakar was then taken away and subjected to a brutal beating by the vigilantes, who even set him on fire.
Another source at the market stated that after the vigilantes released Abubakar, Mrs. Onoriode’s sister confessed to taking the money from the lockup store for safekeeping. It was at this point that Abubakar was released.
Following his release, Mrs. Onoriode and some market women reportedly took Abubakar to a local chemist store, where he received treatment and was subsequently discharged.
However, members of a Human Rights team led by Comrade Kingsley Imode took up the case and reported the incident to the police. The police have since arrested two women in connection with the assault and are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters. The Human Rights team has called for justice for Abubakar, while community members have expressed their disgust at the brutality displayed by the vigilantes and the alleged involvement of Mrs. Onoriode.
The Sapele Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that all those found culpable would be brought to justice. The police have also urged the community to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.
This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and protection of vulnerable individuals within the community. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and due process in such cases to ensure that justice is served and that such acts of barbarity are not repeated.
… Culled from Delta State News Bulletin except some changes in the headline
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