Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Oyo State Police Command rescues a United States-based Nigerian doctor from a violent mob attack in Ibadan after false kidnapping allegations spark chaos along Ologuneru Road.
Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka says the incident occurs on Monday afternoon when an angry crowd attempts to lynch Dr Afolabi and sets his Lexus RX 330 SUV ablaze before officers intervene.
“The mob was about to set the doctor ablaze when the police team arrived,” Olayinka says in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to police, the doctor sustains severe injuries and currently receives treatment at the Police Medical Services facility.
Authorities place two girls, identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, under protective custody after they are found inside the doctor’s vehicle during the confrontation.
Preliminary investigations, however, reportedly clear the doctor of kidnapping allegations circulating on social media.
Police say the girls are legally taken from one Mrs Idowu Abimbola in the Eleyele area of Ibadan and are being transported to assist the doctor’s mother with domestic chores.
Investigators say suspicion escalates after security personnel at the Polytechnic Ibadan gate stop the vehicle for routine checks and notice the girls in a distressed state.
The situation worsens when the girls struggle to communicate fluently in English or the local language, while the doctor allegedly fails to provide convincing explanations at the checkpoint.
Police say the misunderstanding triggers a mob chase that ends in a brutal assault on the doctor and destruction of his vehicle.
Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga condemns jungle justice and warns against spreading false and unverified information capable of inciting violence.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest individuals involved in the mob attack and destruction of property.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 