Mob Burns a Food Vendor To Death in Nigeria Over Blasphemy Allegation
A woman in Niger State, northern Nigeria was killed by a mob after being accused of blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad, police say.
The victim, Amaye a food vendor was set ablaze in Kasuwan-Garba town after a heated argument. Eyewitnesses told local media a man jokingly proposed to her and she replied in a way that was seen as offensive by some in the community and that’s how the violence started.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun described the incident as “jungle justice” and said security operatives could not save her before the mob attacked her. He confirmed an investigation has been launched to arrest those involved.
The authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and not take the law into their hands. “We appeal for restraint and we will get justice” Abiodun added.
The killing is the latest in a disturbing trend in northern Nigeria where blasphemy allegations lead to mob violence despite the constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech. Amnesty International has repeatedly warned that such allegations are used to settle personal scores.
The group said minor disputes are sometimes turned into blasphemy claims and instant lynchings. In the past three years several victims – Muslim and Christian – have been killed in similar circumstances.
In 2022 university student Deborah Samuel was beaten and set ablaze in Sokoto State after being accused of making blasphemous remarks. Last year a butcher Usman Buda was stoned to death in the same state over a similar allegation.
Critics say the authorities are not doing enough to stop these killings despite the Supreme Court ruling that blasphemy charges must be proved in court and not by mob action.
The latest killing has once again brought to the fore the deep religious divisions in Nigeria and the need for stronger measures to protect citizens from jungle justice.
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Mob Burns a Food Vendor To Death in Nigeria Over Blasphemy Allegation