A female food vendor, popularly known as Ammaye, has been lynched by a mob in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
The incident occurred in Kasuwan Garba after an earlier dispute in Igwama community. Witnesses said Ammaye, a Muslim and well-known food seller, exchanged words with a young man described as her nephew. He allegedly joked about marrying her to “fulfil the Sunnah,” and her response was interpreted by some residents as blasphemous.
The matter was taken before the District Head of Kasuwan Garba, where she reportedly repeated the statement during questioning. The District Head handed her over to security personnel, but a crowd of angry youths demanded immediate punishment. Despite attempts by the security team to protect her, the mob overpowered them and stoned her to death.
Confirming the incident, Mariga Local Government Chairman, Abbas Adamu, said peace has been restored to the area.
The killing has heightened concerns about mob justice and religious intolerance in Nigeria, with analysts stressing the need for stronger rule of law, dialogue, and community sensitisation.
