Police Reacts As Mob Burns Woman Alive In Niger Over Alleged Blasphemy

The Niger State Police Command has launched an investigation after a mob set a woman on fire in Kasuwan-Garba, a town in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The woman, identified as Amaye, was a local restaurant operator who made comments considered offensive while interacting with a customer in her establishment.

It was gathered that trouble began after a customer jokingly asked her to marry him, referring to a tradition linked to the Prophet.

In her response, Amaye allegedly made comments that some considered insulting, which quickly angered people in the community.

She was initially taken to the District Head’s palace, where she was handed over to security operatives for questioning.

However, before investigations could begin, a mob overpowered the officers, lynched her, and set her ablaze.

Police spokesperson Wasiu, in a statement released in Minna, said reinforcements arrived too late to save the woman during the incident, which occurred on August 30, 2025, at about 2:00 pm.

“Unfortunately, it led to a mob attack, and the woman was set ablaze before the reinforcement of security teams could arrive at the scene,” Abiodun stated.

Abiodun, who noted that calm has since returned to the area, condemned the act of jungle justice and assured that the police are working to track down and prosecute those responsible.

He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and allow security agencies to handle sensitive issues within the framework of the law.

The killing has raised fresh concerns among locals and human rights groups about the frequent cases of mob justice in parts of Nigeria, with renewed calls for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

KanyiDaily recalls that a Sokoto man, Usman Buda, was previously killed over an alleged blasphemous comment against the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad bin Abdullah.