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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Maraban Jos axis of Kaduna State is fast acquiring a disturbing reputation as a flashpoint for jungle justice following two separate incidents of mob violence that claimed three lives within two weeks, despite repeated warnings by security agencies against taking the law into one’s hands.
The latest incident occurred on July 1, 2026, when two innocent travellers, identified as Muhammadu Sani, 45, and Aliyu Mohammed, 40, were beaten to death by an angry mob at Gidan Kalu village in Birnin Yero, a few kilometres from Maraban Jos, after they were wrongly accused of being kidnappers and motorcycle thieves.
The killings came barely 10 days after Ummulkhairi Muhammad (also reported as Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu), an Islamic teacher and mother of four, was lynched and burnt to death in Maraban Jos on June 21, 2026, following allegations that she attempted to steal a child.
The two incidents, which occurred within the same Maraban Jos corridor in Igabi Local Government Area, have renewed concerns over the growing culture of mob justice in the area and sparked calls for stronger enforcement of the law and sustained public enlightenment.
How two innocent travellers met their death.
According to a statement issued by the Kaduna State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the two victims, both from Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area, were travelling on a motorcycle to Tudun Wada in Zaria to visit their sick uncle when tragedy struck.
Police said while passing through Gidan Kalu village on July 1, residents became suspicious after noticing them riding what was described as a new motorcycle and immediately raised the alarm, branding them as thieves.
Fearing for their lives, the victims reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and ran while repeatedly insisting they were innocent and explaining their mission.
The explanation failed to calm the crowd. The mob allegedly chased the two men, caught them and beat them mercilessly until they died.
Eyewitness disclosed that some members of the mob knew the victims personally but still participated in the attack.
Following a distress report, operatives from the Birnin Yero Police Division launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo and five other suspects.
Police said the suspects have confessed to participating in the attack and are assisting investigators, while efforts continue to apprehend other suspects still at large.
Reacting to the incident, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the killings, describing them as a gross violation of the law and a dangerous example of citizens taking the law into their own hands.
The Commissioner stressed that every suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction and warned that nobody has the legal authority to investigate, prosecute or punish another person based on suspicion, rumours or mob sentiment.
He urged residents to promptly report suspected criminals to the police or other security agencies rather than resorting to jungle justice, warning that all those involved in the latest killings would face prosecution.
The police command reiterated that investigations were continuing and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects involved in the attack.
The latest killings came shortly after another gruesome incident in Maraban Jos on June 21, when a woman identified as Ummulkhairi Muhammad was accused of attempting to steal a child.
According to the police, officers from the Maraban Jos Division responded promptly to a distress call, rescued the woman from an angry crowd and took her into protective custody for investigation.
However, hundreds of irate youths later stormed the police station, overpowered security personnel, dragged the woman out and lynched her before setting her body ablaze.
The Kaduna State Police Command immediately condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric and an affront to the rule of law, while commencing investigations that resulted in the arrest and subsequent arraignment of several suspects.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani also condemned the mob killing, describing jungle justice as unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
During a condolence visit to the family of the deceased woman in Maraban Jos on June 27, the governor assured them that everyone responsible for the killing would be brought to justice.
He further announced that the Kaduna State Government would assume responsibility for the welfare of the deceased’s husband and four children, including sponsoring the children’s education.
Governor Sani stressed that no allegation, suspicion or rumour could justify the unlawful taking of human life and urged residents to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal allegations instead of resorting to violence.
Kaduna State Government commended the police for arresting and arraigning suspects connected with the woman’s killing, describing the development as an important step towards justice and reaffirming that the administration would not tolerate extra-judicial actions.
The two incidents have heightened fears that communities around the Maraban Jos axis of Kaduna are increasingly resorting to mob action whenever criminal allegations arise.
Residents and observers said the trend has become alarming because victims are often attacked based on rumours or unverified accusations before security agencies can intervene.
Human rights advocates warn that jungle justice not only claims innocent lives but also undermines the justice system, encourages lawlessness and weakens public confidence in lawful institutions.
They have called for sustained public sensitisation, community engagement and stricter enforcement of laws against mob violence to deter future occurrences.
Security experts also insist that strengthening intelligence gathering, improving emergency response and ensuring speedy prosecution of perpetrators will help discourage citizens from taking the law into their own hands.
As investigations into the latest killings continue, the Kaduna State Police Command has maintained that every person connected with the attacks will be identified and prosecuted, reiterating that mob justice remains a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law.
