Tragedy struck in Niger State on Saturday evening as a woman identified simply as Amaye was lynched and set ablaze by a mob of Muslim youths in Kasuwan-Garba, Mariga Local Government Area, for allegedly making blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
According to reports, the victim, a food vendor, was accused of making the remarks at her restaurant after a customer jokingly expressed interest in marrying her, referencing the tradition of the Prophet. Outraged residents swiftly dragged her to the palace of the District Head of Kasuwan-Garba in an attempt to prevent mob action.
It was gathered that the District Head handed her over to security operatives for investigation. However, before she could be taken to safety, the mob overpowered the operatives, forcefully seized her, lynched her, and subsequently set her body ablaze.
Chairman of Mariga LGA, Abbas Adamu Kasuwan-Garba, confirmed the incident, noting that normalcy had since been restored to the troubled town.
Spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also confirmed the development. He disclosed that the woman was killed before security reinforcements could arrive.
“Meanwhile, efforts are being made to ensure that arrests are effected, investigated and prosecuted,” Abiodun stated.
The gruesome incident has drawn shock across the state, highlighting once again the recurring tensions around blasphemy-related violence in parts of northern Nigeria.
