A woman was killed and her body set ablaze by a mob in Kaduna State after she was accused of child theft, despite efforts by police officers to protect her.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kaduna State Police Command said the incident occurred on Sunday in the Maraban Jos area when the divisional police officer received a distress call that a woman was being attacked over allegations of child theft without any proof to support the claim. Officers reportedly rushed to the scene, rescued the woman and took her into protective custody at the police station.
According to the police, a large crowd later stormed the station, overpowered officers on duty and forcefully removed the woman from custody. The mob allegedly killed her and set her body on fire. The command described the act as barbaric, criminal and a direct attack on the rule of law.
Mansir Hassan, the command’s spokesperson, said the victim was a native of Maraban Jos and stressed that no individual or group has the right to take the law into its own hands. He added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved.
The police said a full-scale investigation has commenced and assured residents that all those responsible for the killing would face prosecution. Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad also warned that the command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police facilities and personnel.
The command urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies and allow due process to take its course, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public order in the state.
