The family of an Islamic teacher, Malama Ummulkhair, has recounted her heartbreaking final moments after she was brutally lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State following allegations that she had stolen a child.
The woman, described by relatives and community members as a devoted teacher and mother of four, was reportedly attacked on Sunday while travelling to attend an Islamic preaching programme.
According to eyewitnesses, a rumour accusing her of child theft spread rapidly through the community, attracting an angry crowd before authorities could properly verify the allegation.
Final Plea Before Death
Witnesses said Ummulkhair desperately pleaded for help as tensions escalated around her.
One of her last known words was a simple request:
“Please, I need water.”
Despite attempts by some residents and community leaders to calm the crowd, the situation deteriorated into violence.
She was reportedly taken into police custody at one point, but the mob later overwhelmed efforts to protect her.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns about mob justice and the dangers of acting on unverified allegations.
Village Head Recounts Failed Rescue Effort
The Village Head of New Maraban Jos, Suleiman Isa, said he rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call from the victim’s husband.
According to him, he immediately tried to intervene and prevent the attack.
“A friend of mine, who is the husband of the woman, called me and told me what was happening. People accused her of stealing children while she was on her way to an Islamic school to attend a preaching session,” Isa said.
He explained that efforts by traditional leaders, religious figures, and police officers failed to calm the crowd.
“I was with her Islamic teacher, who also came to the police station to plead with the crowd, but they refused to listen,” he added.
Isa described the situation as one of the most disturbing incidents he had witnessed in recent years.
Husband Speaks Through Tears
The victim’s husband, Aliyu Mohammed, said he remains devastated by the loss of his wife, insisting she was completely innocent.
Speaking after the tragedy, he described the pain of receiving the news while at work and being unable to save her.
“I am confused and heartbroken because she did nothing wrong. She was an Islamic teacher and was simply on her way to attend a religious lecture when people stopped her and accused her of stealing children,” he said.
Mohammed said he immediately rushed home after hearing about the accusation but arrived too late.
“She was falsely accused and then killed, leaving me alone with our children.”
Fighting back emotion, he added:
“What pains me most now is that I am left alone with the children.”
Community Demands Justice
The killing has sparked condemnation from religious leaders, community elders, and civil society groups, many of whom have called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Residents have also questioned how a false allegation could escalate into a fatal attack despite the presence of security personnel.
Human rights advocates say the incident highlights the growing threat posed by mob justice, where individuals are punished based on rumours and accusations without any legal process.
Calls for Action Against Mob Violence
Community leaders are urging authorities to strengthen public awareness campaigns against jungle justice and ensure that suspects are handed over to law enforcement agencies rather than subjected to mob attacks.
They argue that failure to punish perpetrators of mob violence only encourages future attacks.
As investigations continue, family members say they are focused on seeking justice for Ummulkhair while struggling to cope with the emotional and financial burden left behind by her death.
Sources
Daily Trust and Vanguard.
