The Western Regional Police Command has reiterated its warning to the public to desist form lynching persons they suspect to be kidnappers.
The warning followed attempts by irate youths from Diabene in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, to lynch Abu Shaibu, 41, who they suspected to have attempted to kidnap a 12-year-old girl, in the area, on Wednesday night.
Even when the suspect was rescued and taken to the palace of the chief of Diabenekrom, the youth sought the ‘blood’ of Shaibu.
The Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Olivia Ewurabena Adiku, who confirmed the incident to the Ghanaian Times, said the angry mob broke the rear glasses of a police vehicle, in which personnel were deployed to the scene to rescue Shaibu.
The Police PRO asked people to desist from such violent acts, and warned that offenders would be dealt with severely when caught.
DSP Adiku said that investigations into the matter had begun, and explained that at about 8pm on Wednesday, the police received a distress call that someone was being lynched by a mob at Diabenekrom, a suburb of Sekondi, for alleged attempted kidnapping.
DSP Adiku said a police patrol team that was dispatched to the palace, where Shaibu had taken refuge, met a large mob at the frontage demanding the release of the victim.
She said the angry mob pelted the police with cement blocks destroying the rear windscreen, nearside rear door and fender of the police vehicle.”
According to the Police PRO, investigations revealed that at about 7.30pm on Wednesday, a class five pupil of Diabenekrom Catholic Primary School, who was returning home after buying mosquito coil, encountered Shaibu.
DSP Adiku said, Shiabu allegedly attempted to kidnap the girl, but she was able to escape amidst screams while the suspect pursued her.
DSP Adiku said the screams attracted people, who arrested the suspect, assaulted him and wanted to lynch him, but he was rescued and taken to the chief’s palace.
She indicated that Shaibu suffered bruises on both knees and was issued with police medical form to attend hospital.
DSP Adiku said the family of Shaibu claimed the suspect was mentally-challenged, adding that the police would investigate the matter.
She thanked the Queen mother of Diabenekrom, Nana Aba Essuon, for the swift response and the call to the police to rescue the suspect.
CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, SEKONDI
