A woman accused of child theft was lynched and her body set ablaze by an angry mob after she was forcibly taken from police custody in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna State on Sunday.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a barbaric act and a serious attack on the rule of law.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos received a distress call at about 10:00 a.m. reporting that a woman was being beaten by a mob over allegations of child theft.
According to Hassan, no evidence was presented to support the accusation.
“The DPO promptly led a team of officers to the scene, rescued the woman from the mob and brought her to the police station for her safety and further investigation,” he said.
However, the situation escalated when a large crowd reportedly stormed the police station and overwhelmed officers on duty.
The mob forcibly removed the woman from police custody, killed her and subsequently set her body on fire.
“The victim is a native of Maraban Jos. The Command describes this act as barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law,” Hassan stated.
“No person or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend other individuals involved.
He added that a full-scale investigation had commenced and assured that all those found culpable would be prosecuted.
Hassan further revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, strongly condemned the killing and warned that the command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police formations and personnel.
The police urged residents to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels and allow law enforcement agencies to handle investigations and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Kaduna State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice is served.
