A woman identified simply as Amaye has been lynched and set ablaze by Muslim youths in Niger State for allegedly making blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday evening in Kasuwan-Garba town, Mariga Local Government Area of the state.
According to multiple accounts, the victim, a food vendor, was accused of making the remarks at her restaurant after a customer jokingly expressed interest in marrying her, citing the tradition of the Prophet.
Residents initially whisked her to the palace of the District Head of Kasuwan-Garba in an attempt to prevent mob action. The District Head was said to have handed her over to security operatives for investigation. However, the mob later overpowered the operatives and pounced on her.
Chairman of Mariga LGA, Abbas Adamu Kasuwan-Garba, confirmed the incident, adding that normalcy had been restored in the town.
The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the development. Spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun said the woman “was set ablaze before the reinforcement of the security teams.”
“Meanwhile, efforts are being made to ensure that arrests are effected, investigated and prosecuted,” he added.
