Daijiworld Media Network – Nigeria

Nigeria, Sep 2: In a tragic incident that underscores ongoing religious tensions, a woman was brutally killed by a mob in central Nigeria after being accused of blasphemy against Islam. The attack occurred on Saturday in the Paikoro area of Niger State, where the woman, identified as Amaye—a food vendor from Katsina State—was set ablaze by angry locals.

According to a statement released on Monday by the Niger State Police Command, the mob accused the woman of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed, which led to the violent outburst.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident and strongly condemned the act of "jungle justice." He urged members of the public to remain calm as authorities intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“The Command condemns in totality any act of jungle justice, and the public is enjoined to allow justice to take its course,” the police statement read.

Blasphemy remains a highly sensitive issue in Nigeria, especially in its northern regions where Islamic Sharia law operates alongside the country's common legal system in 12 predominantly Muslim states, including Niger. While the legal system does allow for prosecution under blasphemy laws, in many cases, mobs take the law into their own hands, often resulting in fatal consequences without due legal process.

Though such incidents are relatively rare, this is not the first time blasphemy accusations have turned deadly. In June 2023, a butcher was stoned to death in Sokoto under similar allegations, and in 2022, a Christian college student was lynched by fellow students over claims of blasphemy.

Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the latest case and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of all citizens.