A horrific act of mob justice has shocked residents of Maraban Jos in Kaduna State after a woman identified as Malama Ummulkhairi was brutally k!lled and set ablaze by an angry residents over allegations of child theft.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026 has sparked 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.
According to accounts from family members and associates, the deceased, an Islamic teacher and mother of more than five children, had travelled from the New Maraban Jos area to attend an Islamic lecture reportedly organised at a local school in the old Maraban Jos axis.
According to reports, 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.
Family members who rushed to the station reportedly attempted to identify her and explain that she was a known Islamic teacher.
Witnesses said efforts were also made to calm the situation and convince the crowd to allow security agencies to investigate the allegation.
A large mob later stormed the police station, overwhelmed officers on duty and forcibly removed the woman from protective custody.
The mob subsequently k!lled her and set her body ablaze.
Reacting to the incident, the Kaduna State Police Command strongly condemned the attack.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, described the act as barbaric, criminal and a direct assault on the rule of law.
According to the statement, police officers had moved the woman into custody for her safety and to investigate the allegation against her before the mob attacked the station.
The command disclosed that several suspects had already been arrested while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others involved in the attack.
It assured that a comprehensive investigation had commenced and that all those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police formations and personnel.
He urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to law enforcement agencies and allow due process to take its course.
