Mob Sets Woman Accused Of Child Theft Ablaze In Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has condemned the killing of a woman accused of child theft by an angry mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, describing the incident as a criminal act and a violation of the rule of law.

The command said several suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved in the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

According to the statement, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday after the Divisional Police Officer in Maraban Jos received a distress call that a woman was being attacked by residents over allegations of child theft.

Hassan said the allegation against the woman was not supported by any evidence.

He explained that the DPO immediately mobilised officers to the scene, rescued the woman from the mob and moved her to the police station for protection and investigation.

However, the situation later escalated when hundreds of residents reportedly stormed the police station, overpowered officers on duty and forcibly removed the woman from custody.

“Responding swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer led officers to the scene, rescued the woman and moved her to the station for safety and investigation.

“Despite this, a large crowd in their hundreds later stormed and besieged the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, killed her and set her body ablaze,” the statement read.

The police identified the victim as an indigene of Maraban Jos.

Condemning the attack, the command described the action of the mob as barbaric and unacceptable in a democratic society, warning that no individual or group had the authority to take the law into their own hands.

“The Command describes this act as barbaric, criminal and a direct assault on the rule of law. No person or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands,” Hassan stated.

He added that a comprehensive investigation had commenced, with all those found responsible expected to face prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police formations.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies and allow due process to take its course.

The incident has renewed concerns over the rising cases of mob justice across the country despite repeated warnings from security authorities.