A suspected thief caught in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday afternoon was set ablaze by some residents after he allegedly kidnapped two children.

City Round gathered that the suspect, whose identity had yet to be known, was carrying the children away to an unknown destination when he was accosted by some residents who asked him where he was taking the two children to.

Unable to give any credible answer, it was learnt that they descended on him and beat him to a coma.

Not satisfied, the mob gathered wood and tyres and put them on the suspected thief while some others provided fuel which they poured on the lifeless body before setting him ablaze.

A video of the mob action showed people pouring fuel on the lifeless body and setting it on fire. The video also showed some children participating in the jungle justice.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Abiodun Wasiu, when contacted, confirmed the incident. He said when the police arrived at the scene, the mob had dispersed but were able to evacuate the burnt body to the hospital, adding that the police would arrest the culprits.