Mentally-Ill Man Killed by Mob over Alleged Phone Theft in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

A man identified as Samaila Liman, reportedly known to suffer from mental illness, was beaten to death by a mob in the Langa-Langa area behind Bungudu Motor Park in Zamfara State over an alleged phone theft.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on April 7, when the victim was accused of stealing an Infinix handset said to belong to the wife of a resident, Alhaji Yazidu Atto. Eyewitnesses said that as soon as an alarm was raised, residents and passersby descended on the man, attacking him until he lost consciousness.

He was later evacuated to a hospital where he was confirmed dead around 8:00 p.m. Medical personnel subsequently identified him as Samaila Liman from Furfuri Village in Bungudu Local Government Area. Sources familiar with the victim described him as mentally unstable and known in the area.

The killing has sparked outrage among rights groups and concerned residents, who condemned the use of mob justice and called for better public awareness on mental health and lawful means of addressing crime.

Community leaders in the area have appealed for calm and urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing the importance of preserving human dignity and seeking proper legal channels in addressing grievances.

Efforts are ongoing to identify those involved in the mob action.
End