Angry Mob Kills Woman Accused of Stealing a Child in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police has condemned the killing of a woman accused of stealing a child by a mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State. They called the act barbaric and a serious violation of the law.

The police said they have arrested several suspects linked to the incident and are working to catch others involved.

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

The statement revealed that the incident happened around 10 a.m. on Saturday. The Divisional Police Officer in Maraban Jos received a distress call about a woman being attacked by a mob over claims of child theft.

Hassan mentioned that there was no evidence to support the allegation.

He said the DPO quickly gathered officers to the scene, saved the woman from the mob, and took her to the police station for protection while investigations were ongoing.

However, the situation worsened when hundreds of locals reportedly stormed the police station and overpowered the officers on duty.

"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 said.

The police confirmed that the victim was from Maraban Jos.

The command condemned the mob's actions, calling it criminal and unacceptable in a democratic society.

"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 thorough investigation has started and promised that everyone involved in the attack will be prosecuted.

"Several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident, and a manhunt is ongoing for others involved. A thorough investigation has commenced, and all culprits will face the full weight of the law," he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the police will not accept jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police stations and officers.

He urged people to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report any suspicious persons or activities to security agencies for proper investigation.

"The Command will not tolerate jungle justice, mob action or attacks on police formations and personnel. Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons or activities to the police and allow due process," the CP said.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice is served according to the law.

This incident has raised more concerns about the increasing cases of mob justice across the country, despite many warnings from security agencies against extrajudicial killings.