There was pandemonium in Maraban Jos in Kaduna State after mob set ablaze a woman identified as Malama Ummulkhairi over allegations of child theft that have not been substantiated.
The incident has triggered outrage across the state and renewed concerns about the growing menace of jungle justice, lawlessness and the dangerous spread of mob violence fueled by rumours and misinformation.
The deceased, an Islamic teacher and mother of more than five children was said to have travelled from the New Maraban Jos area to attend an Islamic lecture reportedly organised at a local school in the old Maraban Jos axis.
She allegedly lost her way after being separated from some of her companions and sought directions from children in the neighbourhood.
Shortly afterwards, some residents reportedly accused her of attempting to steal children, an allegation that witnesses and relatives insist was entirely baseless.
As tension escalated, a crowd gathered and the woman was reportedly taken to a nearby police station for her protection and investigation.
A statement on Sunday by the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that a large mob later stormed the police station, overwhelmed officers on duty and forcibly removed the woman from protective custody.
The police said that the mob subsequently killed her and set her body ablaze in what observers have described as one of the most barbaric acts of jungle justice witnessed in recent times.
