Mob Fury Erupts After Woman Caught Trying to Steal Newborn from PMI Nkwen Hospital [VIDEO]

 

A tense and chaotic scene unfolded Monday morning at PMI Nkwen Hospital in Bamenda, where a woman was caught attempting to abduct a newborn baby. The dramatic incident quickly escalated into a near-lynching by enraged members of the public before law enforcement officers intervened to de-escalate the situation.

Witnesses described a moment of panic and disbelief when hospital security raised an alarm at the facility’s main gate, leading to the apprehension of the suspect. The woman, whose identity has not yet been disclosed by authorities, was reportedly intercepted just as she was trying to leave the premises with the infant. Her actions prompted a swift and furious response from bystanders.

Shouting accusations and fueled by shock and rage, a crowd quickly formed around the woman. Multiple eyewitnesses say the mob did not hesitate to physically attack the suspect, delivering slaps, punches, and kicks as she pleaded for mercy. The disturbing episode was captured on video and has since gone viral on TikTok, sparking both outrage and debate online over the rising trend of mob justice in Cameroon.

Social media users were met with harrowing visuals of the woman being swarmed by a furious crowd outside the hospital. In the video, some individuals can be seen dragging her, while others rain blows upon her as she tries to shield herself. The voice of a narrator in the clip provides additional context, claiming the woman had been caught at the hospital's gate moments before escaping with the baby.

Police officers arrived on the scene minutes later, pushing through the agitated crowd to rescue the suspect. Their efforts were anything but easy; even after the woman was in police custody, some members of the mob continued attempting to harm her. The officers were forced to create a human barrier around her as they escorted her to a waiting police vehicle.

Cries of "Justice!" and "Let her pay for what she did!" echoed across the hospital courtyard, reflecting the heightened emotions of the morning. The police managed to drive the suspect away from the scene, despite continued attempts by some in the crowd to block the vehicle or strike it with objects.

The baby, thankfully, was unharmed and has since been reunited with the mother, according to preliminary reports. The motive behind the attempted abduction remains unclear. It is also not yet known whether the woman acted alone or was part of a wider network involved in trafficking or child theft.

Local sources suggest the suspect had tried to blend in with hospital visitors before making her move. Staff at PMI Nkwen are said to be reviewing security procedures to determine how she was able to get as far as the hospital gate with a baby that was not hers.

Hospital management declined to comment in detail but confirmed that a thorough internal review is already underway. "We are cooperating fully with authorities and prioritizing the safety of our patients. This incident is deeply troubling," said a hospital spokesperson.

The event has reignited discussions around hospital security and child protection, especially in facilities without electronic surveillance or adequate staffing. Advocacy groups are calling on the government to implement stronger safeguards against baby theft and to ensure health institutions have the resources they need to prevent such incidents.

Residents of Bamenda are still reeling from the shock. For many, the idea that a child could be snatched in broad daylight from a medical facility is deeply unsettling. “It could have been my child,” said one mother who witnessed the attack. “This is a wake-up call. We need better protection in our hospitals.”

Others, however, have raised concerns about the violent reaction of the crowd. While emotions ran high, some believe the situation could have easily led to fatal consequences without police intervention. “We cannot allow people to take the law into their own hands, no matter how angry they are,” a local teacher noted. “Let the justice system handle it.”

As of this report, the suspect is in police custody and is expected to be formally charged after investigations are completed. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.

The viral nature of the video and the emotions it has stirred are a stark reminder of the fragile balance between public vigilance and lawful process. While communities must remain alert to threats, the rule of law must prevail — even in the face of heinous crimes.

The people of Bamenda, already burdened by various social and economic challenges, now find themselves grappling with another crisis of trust — this time, in a place that should be synonymous with healing and safety. Whether justice will be served swiftly remains to be seen, but for the families affected and the broader public, the incident will not be soon forgotten. 

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