By Attah Ede
Niger State police command, on Monday confirmed the killing of a female food vendor identified as Ammaye over alleged blasphemy by a mob in Kasuwan Garba in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The police in a statement on Monday, said she was accused by a mob of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
The Niger State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, who issued the statement also explained that the incident started when Ammaye nephew reportedly joked that he wanted to marry her to “fulfil the Sunnah.”
Ammaye’s response was allegedly considered blasphemous and ignited fury among residents.
He added that despite the intervention of the local district head and law enforcement officers, a mob reportedly overpowered the security personnel, dragged her away, stoned her, and then set her ablaze.
Before additional reinforcements could be deployed, the crowd overpowered our officers, whisked her away, and set her ablaze,” Mr Abiodun said.
“Investigations are ongoing and those found culpable will be brought to justice,” Abiodun maintained.
The Chairman of the Mariga Local Government, Abbas Kasuwar – Garba also confirmed the development.
It would be recalled that In May 2022, Deborah Samuel, a Christian student at a Sokoto college, was stoned and set on fire by fellow students after being accused of blasphemy in a WhatsApp group chat.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have repeatedly documented growing tensions and failures of law enforcement to prevent mob violence in Nigeria.
In northern states, where Sharia law criminalises blasphemy, such incidents flourish under a climate of rumour, mistrust, and fragile rule of law
