A United States-based Nigerian doctor narrowly escaped death after being falsely accused of kidnapping and attacked by an angry mob in Ibadan, Oyo State, before officers of the Nigeria Police Force intervened and rescued him.
According to reports, the doctor, who had recently returned to Nigeria from the United States, was in Ibadan when confusion broke out after some residents allegedly misidentified him as a suspected kidnapper. Eyewitnesses said alarm was raised in the area, prompting a crowd to descend on him.
The mob reportedly beat the doctor severely, accusing him without evidence and attempting to inflict further harm before police officers arrived at the scene. Officers were said to have acted swiftly to disperse the crowd and take the injured victim into protective custody.
Sources said the victim sustained multiple injuries and was immediately taken for medical treatment. His condition was described as stable after receiving urgent care.
Preliminary findings suggest the accusation may have stemmed from misinformation and heightened public fear over rising kidnapping incidents in parts of the country. Authorities have urged residents not to take the law into their own hands and to always report suspicious activity to security agencies for proper investigation.
The Oyo State Police Command is reportedly investigating the incident and may take action against individuals involved in the assault.
The case has sparked renewed concern over mob justice in Nigeria, with many calling for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement against jungle justice, which has led to several wrongful attacks on innocent citizens.
