Enough Mob Killings in Nigeria

Last week, the family of Malama Ummulkhair, an Islamiyya school teacher, recounted her final moments after she was lynched and burned by a mob in Maraban, Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Ummulkhair, a mother of four, was accused by some residents of attempting to steal children while she was on her way to attend an Islamic lecture last Sunday afternoon. The allegation spread quickly, drawing a large crowd that attacked her before security operatives intervened and took her into protective custody at a nearby police station.

Later, hundreds of angry youths and residents reportedly besieged the police station and demanded that she be handed over to them. Despite efforts by security personnel to restore order, the mob overpowered the officers and set her ablaze.

Amnesty International condemned the incident, describing it as a horrific act of mob violence and called on the authorities to investigate the allegations that police officers handed the victim over to the mob. The group said the incident reflected a broader failure by authorities to protect lives and lamented that mob violence is gradually becoming the norm, largely meted out based on suspicion, rumor or hearsay.

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested more than 80 suspects in connection with the killing. According to the police, the investigation has shown that the victim was wrongly accused. The command vowed that those responsible for the killing would face justice.