Kaduna Mob Drags Woman From Police Custody, Burns Her Over Child Theft Rumour

A mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, dragged a woman from police custody and burned her to death after an unproven allegation of child theft.

Daily Trust reported that the woman, described by residents as a married mother, had been accused by youths while she was on her way to an Islamic lecture. Witnesses said security personnel intervened and took her to a nearby police post for protection and investigation.

The crowd later moved to the police facility, overpowered officers on duty and removed the woman from custody before setting her ablaze.

Premium Times reported that Kaduna police spokesperson Mansir Hassan said the allegation against the woman had not been substantiated. He said officers first rescued her after receiving a distress call around 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Hassan said several suspects had been arrested and that police were still searching for others involved in the attack. Kaduna Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad warned residents against jungle justice and attacks on police formations.

Police said the killing was a direct assault on the rule of law and promised to prosecute those found culpable.

Sources: Daily Trust, Premium Times