A woman identified as Amaye, a popular food vendor in Kasuwan-Garba, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, was killed and set ablaze by an angry mob after allegedly making remarks considered blasphemous against Prophet Muhammad.
The incident reportedly began after a male customer jokingly expressed interest in marrying her, citing a tradition linked to the Prophet.
In responding to the remark, Amaye allegedly made a comment that some residents deemed offensive, sparking outrage.
A local source told Afripost that Amaye was initially taken to the District Head’s palace for questioning and was later handed over to security officials for proper investigation.
However, before any resolution could be reached, a mob stormed the location, overpowered the security officers, and lynched her.
“She was already in police custody for investigation, but the crowd became uncontrollable. They overpowered the officers and carried out the attack,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said in a statement on Sunday that the attack occurred around 2 p.m. on August 30.
“Unfortunately, before reinforcements could reach the area, the mob attacked and set the victim on fire.
“We are currently working to identify, arrest, and prosecute everyone involved,” Abiodun stated.
The Chairman of Mariga LGA, Abbas Adamu Kasuwan-Garba, assured residents that calm had been restored following the violence.
“We have ensured normalcy has returned, and security agents are positioned in the town to prevent any further crisis,” the chairman said.
Authorities have urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid taking laws into their own hands as investigations continue.