By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Tension erupted in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday after an angry mob set ablaze a woman accused of attempting to abduct a seven-year-old boy.
The suspect, described as a middle-aged woman, was allegedly caught at Abavo Street, along Eherhe Road, with the child hidden inside a sack. Witnesses said the discovery sparked outrage among residents, who quickly descended on her before setting her on fire.
Eyewitnesses claimed the woman confessed she came from Ughelli town and was allegedly sent by a pastor. Unconfirmed reports further suggested that she had been seen earlier in the day carrying a Bible, raising suspicions about her movements.
When contacted, the boy’s mother was visibly shaken and declined to give detailed comments. “I cannot talk now; my son is hungry. I just want to take him home and feed him,” she told reporters.
Residents said the incident has heightened fears in the community, which has recently witnessed multiple cases of child theft. Parents have become more vigilant, escorting their children to and from school amid rising insecurity.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as disturbing and called on authorities to act swiftly. “Child theft has become a daily occurrence in Agbarho. We appeal to the Delta State government and security agencies to intensify efforts to stop these criminals before it escalates further,” he said.
The Delta State Police Command could not immediately be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.