A woman has been killed by an angry mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after she was accused of attempting to steal children.
The victim, who was reportedly married and a mother, was said to have been on her way to an Islamic lecture when some youths alleged that she was involved in child theft.
The accusation quickly attracted a large crowd, which reportedly attacked the woman before security personnel intervened.
Police officers at the scene rescued the victim and took her into protective custody at a nearby police station while preliminary investigations commenced.
However, the situation later deteriorated when a mob reportedly converged on the police facility, demanding that the woman be handed over to them.
Despite efforts by officers to disperse the crowd, the attackers allegedly overpowered the police, forcefully removed the woman from custody, and set her ablaze.
A resident of the community claimed the victim was innocent, maintaining that she was merely on her way to attend a religious gathering when the allegation was made against her.
Confirming the incident, the Kaduna State Police Command condemned the killing, describing the mob action as “barbaric and criminal.”
The command disclosed that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who participated in the lynching.
Police also confirmed that a full-scale investigation has commenced and assured the public that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The incident has renewed concerns over the growing trend of jungle justice, with authorities urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report suspected criminal activities to security agencies for proper investigation and due process.
