Teacher Lynched After False Child Stealing Accusation
Malama Ummulkhair, an Islamiyya teacher and mother of four, was brutally lynched and burnt by a mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after being falsely accused of child stealing. Her final moments were marked by a desperate plea: "Please, I need water," as the crowd turned violent despite efforts to protect her.
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred on Sunday while Ummulkhair was on her way to an Islamic lecture. Rumors spread rapidly, attracting a large crowd. She was briefly taken into police custody, but the mob remained uncontrollable. The Village Head of New Maraban Jos, Suleiman Isa, stated: "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 added that despite his intervention and the presence of her Islamic teacher at the police station, the mob refused to listen.
Husband's Heartbreak and Call for Justice
The victim's husband, Aliyu Mohammed, expressed devastation over the loss. "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 was at work when he heard the news and rushed back, but it was too late. "She was falsely accused and then killed, leaving me alone with our children. What pains me most now is that I am left alone with the children," he added.
Community Leaders Demand Action
Community leaders and religious figures have condemned the killing, calling for justice and stronger measures to prevent mob violence. Investigations are ongoing. This incident follows a similar case in Niger state, where a female food seller was set ablaze over alleged blasphemy.
