A tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of mob justice in northern Nigeria. In Kasuwan-Garba town, Niger State, a woman identified as Amaye, a local food vendor, was killed after being accused of making blasphemous remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began when a man jokingly proposed marriage to her. Her response, however, was interpreted by some onlookers as offensive, sparking outrage that quickly escalated. Within minutes, the situation turned violent, and before security reinforcements could arrive, she had been set ablaze.
Police have condemned the killing, describing it as a clear act of “jungle justice.” State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun vowed that those responsible would be held accountable. He also appealed for calm, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands while investigations are ongoing.
Sadly, this is not an isolated case. In northern Nigeria, blasphemy accusations—whether proven or not—have too often led to deadly mob attacks. Human rights advocates say such killings expose the deep tensions between religious sentiment and the rule of law. Notable past cases include the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel, a student in Sokoto, and the 2023 stoning of butcher Usman Buda, both over blasphemy claims.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and the Supreme Court has ruled that blasphemy must be tested in a court of law. Yet, in practice, accusations frequently trigger swift violence, leaving authorities struggling to balance justice with religious and cultural sensitivities.
Amaye’s death is another painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger community engagement, legal enforcement, and public education to prevent further loss of innocent lives to mob violence.
