The story of how a desperate mother got her kidnapped daughter back in Abule Egba, Lagos is a fine example of the saying ‘a problem shared is half solved.’

The mother of a 2-year-old girl had been confounded after a suspected kidnapper snatched her daughter from her and tried to escape on his motorcycle.

The mother, recovering from her shock had raised an alarm as she went on to chase after the motorcycle.

Passersby and other people in the area heard her alarm and joined her in the chase of the kidnapper who they eventually caught up with and proceeded to beat to a pulp.

The 35-year-old suspect identified as Haruna, was stripped naked and beaten before he was reportedly handed over to policemen from the Oko Oba division.

An eye witness in the area said Haruna dropped the girl when he realised that the woman and other motorcyclists were hot on his trail but that was not enough for the crowd of people who were intent on getting him.

He said, “The child was walking beside the mother around 3pm; they were heading for a shop. The suspect, who rode a motorcycle, suddenly grabbed the child and sped off. The woman started shouting and running after the man.

“Although the man was almost out of sight, other motorcyclists and pedestrians began to give him a chase. There was confusion in the area as everyone mobilised to assist the woman get the kidnapper.

“We thank God that it was a successful effort. When the man saw that other motorcyclists were closing in on him, he dropped the girl, but the people refused to turn back.

“He was caught and stripped naked; he got the beating of his life. He was almost killed by the mob before some people dragged him to the Oko Oba Police Station.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.

She said, “Haruna was apprehended by members of the public and handed over to the police. He sustained injuries from the mob attack. He is currently undergoing treatment under custody. He will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”