An okada rider in Ore, Odigob Local Government Area of Ondo State, suffered serious injuries after an angry crowd attacked him on Wednesday, June 4. The assault followed a false kidnapping alarm raised by a young woman.
Miss Abigael Bright accused the motorcyclist of attempting to abduct her while he transported her around Ore. Residents and passersby heard the claim and rushed to beat the rider.
Witnesses say the panic escalated when the woman posted her accusation on WhatsApp status. The unverified message spread quickly among residents, intensifying fears about kidnapping in the area.
Police arrived and rescued the rider from the mob before more damage occurred. He'd sustained facial injuries and bruises across his body, but received medical care afterward.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident during investigations. Preliminary findings showed the kidnapping claim was completely false, he noted.
Officers took the woman into custody for questioning. According to the PPRO, she's assisting investigators with the case.
"Preliminary findings indicate that the allegation was false," Jimoh told reporters. "The suspect is in custody and appropriate legal action will be taken at the conclusion of investigations."
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu expressed serious concern about spreading false alarms. He warned that such accusations could trigger mob violence and loss of innocent lives.
Ohagwu condemned the beating of the motorcyclist in strong terms. No person has the right to enforce justice personally, he stressed, regardless of allegations.
The police chief urged residents to report suspicious activities to authorities instead. He also called on people to stop sharing unverified information on social media platforms.
False kidnapping reports damage community trust and public order, Ohagwu added. Citizens must verify claims before spreading them online, he emphasized.
