KEY POINTS

• An angry mob killed a woman accused of child theft in Maraban Jos, Kaduna.

• The crowd overpowered police officers and forcefully removed her from custody before setting her body ablaze.

• Police have arrested some suspects and launched an investigation into the incident.

The Kaduna State Police Command has condemned the killing of a woman accused of child theft by an angry mob in Maraban Jos, describing the incident as a barbaric act and a serious violation of the rule of law.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the command said the victim was attacked by a crowd on Sunday following allegations that she had stolen a child.

According to the police, officers initially rescued the woman from the mob and took her into protective custody at a police station while investigations into the allegations were ongoing.

However, the situation later deteriorated when hundreds of people reportedly stormed the station and overpowered officers on duty.

The crowd allegedly forcefully removed the woman from police custody, killed her and set her body on fire.

Police Condemn Jungle Justice

The victim, who was said to be a native of Maraban Jos, was lynched despite efforts by security personnel to protect her.

The Kaduna State Police Command described the incident as unlawful and unacceptable, stressing that no individual or group has the right to administer justice outside the provisions of the law.

According to the command, the attack represented a direct assault on the country’s legal system and constituted a criminal act.

The police disclosed that several persons connected to the incident have already been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who participated in the attack.

The command added that a full-scale investigation has commenced and assured the public that everyone found culpable would be prosecuted.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not tolerate acts of jungle justice, attacks on police formations or violence against law enforcement personnel.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies and allow due process to take its course instead of resorting to self-help.

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