Kaduna Mob Storms Police Station, Sets Woman Accused Of Child Theft Ablaze

A woman accused of child theft was lynched and her body set ablaze by an angry mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, after hundreds of residents stormed a police station, overpowered officers on duty and forcibly removed her from protective custody.

The Kaduna State Police Command condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, criminal and a direct assault on the rule of law.

The Command also disclosed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others involved.

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

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. on Saturday when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Maraban Jos received a distress call that a woman was being attacked by a mob over allegations of child theft.

Hassan said the allegation was not backed by any evidence.

He explained that the DPO immediately mobilised officers to the scene, rescued the woman from the mob and took her into protective custody at the police station pending investigation.

However, the situation later escalated when hundreds of residents stormed the police station and overpowered 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 identified the victim as an indigene of Maraban Jos.

Condemning the incident, the Command described the mob action as 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 comprehensive investigation had commenced and assured that all those involved would be brought to justice.

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

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, also warned that the Command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police formations and personnel.

He urged residents to report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies for proper investigation rather than resorting to self-help.

“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 commissioner said.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.

The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over recurring cases of mob justice in parts of the country despite repeated warnings by security agencies against extrajudicial killings.