A tragic mob attack in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has claimed the life of Malama Ummulkhair, an Islamiyya school teacher and mother of four, after she was falsely accused of attempting to steal children.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Sunday while the deceased was reportedly on her way to attend an Islamic lecture when some residents accused her of child theft. The allegation quickly spread, attracting a crowd that attacked her before security personnel intervened and moved her to a nearby police station for protection.
However, the situation later escalated as an angry mob reportedly surrounded the police station and demanded she be released. Despite efforts to restore order, the crowd eventually overpowered security personnel and killed the woman before setting her body ablaze.
Family members and community leaders described the deceased as innocent and law-abiding.
The Village Head of New Maraban Jos, Suleiman Isa, said he received a distress call from the victim’s husband and immediately contacted security authorities.
He explained that efforts by community leaders and Islamic clerics to convince residents to allow the law to take its course were unsuccessful.
Chairman of the Council of Imams in Maraban Jos, Imam Umar Yusuf, also maintained that the deceased was his student and had only stopped to ask children for directions to a religious gathering.
“She did not abduct any child. She was wrongly accused,” he stated.
The victim’s husband, Aliyu Mohammed, described the incident as heartbreaking, saying his wife left home peacefully to attend her studies.
“She was innocent. Now I am left alone to care for our four children,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the killing and called for a thorough and independent investigation, including allegations that officers may have failed in their responsibility to protect the victim while in custody.
A human rights lawyer has also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, demanding accountability and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that more than 80 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansur Hassan, said investigations had already indicated that the victim was wrongly accused and assured that all those responsible would face prosecution.
Authorities have continued to appeal for calm while urging residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
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Crime