A mob in Maraban Jos, a community along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, has killed a woman after forcibly removing her from police custody over allegations that she stole a child.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, describing the attack as a serious violation of the rule of law.
Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan said officers arrested the woman after receiving a distress call about an angry crowd attacking her over the child theft allegation.
According to Hassan, officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Maraban Jos responded quickly to the situation around 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The officers rescued the woman from the crowd and took her into custody for protection and further investigation.
Hassan, a deputy superintendent of police, said authorities had not confirmed the allegation against the woman before the mob attacked.
Hours after the woman’s arrest, hundreds of people reportedly stormed the police station where she was being held.
The crowd overpowered the officers on duty and forced their way into the facility.
The police described the incident as an assault on law enforcement and the justice system.
The Kaduna State Police Command said it had arrested several suspects linked to the attack on the police station.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and efforts are underway to identify other people involved in the mob action.
The victim, who was an indigene of Maraban Jos, died before authorities could complete their investigation into the child theft allegation.
The incident has renewed concerns over mob justice and the dangers of taking the law into the hands of citizens without due process.
