Kaduna: Jungle Justice claims 3 lives in 2 weeks

Jungle justice has claimed no fewer than three lives within two weeks in the Maraban Jos axis of Kaduna state, raising fresh concerns over the growing trend of mob violence despite repeated warnings by security agencies against taking the law into private hands.

The latest victims, identified as Muhammadu Sani, 45, and Aliyu Mohammed, 40, were lynched by an angry mob at Gidan Kalu village in Birnin Yero, a few kilometres from Maraban Jos, after they were wrongly accused of being kidnappers and motorcycle thieves while travelling to visit a sick relative. Blueprint reports

Their deaths came barely two weeks after a woman, Ummulkhairi Muhammad, was similarly lynched and set ablaze in Maraban Jos following allegations of child theft, bringing the number of lives lost to mob justice in the area within a fortnight to three.

The Kaduna state Police command has since arrested six suspects over the latest incident and vowed to prosecute everyone found culpable.

How two innocent travellers were killed

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the two victims, both from Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) were travelling on a motorcycle to Tudun Wada in Zaria to visit their sick uncle on July 1, 2026.

While passing through Gidan Kalu village, some residents reportedly became suspicious after seeing them riding a new motorcycle and immediately began shouting “thieves.”

Fearing for their safety, the victims abandoned the motorcycle and fled while repeatedly explaining that they were innocent.

However, the mob allegedly chased them, caught them and beat them to death despite their explanations that they were not criminals.

The police further disclosed that some of the attackers reportedly knew the victims personally but still participated in the fatal assault.

Police arrest six suspects

Following a distress report, operatives attached to the Birnin Yero Police Division immediately launched an investigation into the incident.

The operation led to the arrest of Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo and five other suspects believed to have participated in the mob action.

According to the police, the suspects have confessed to the crime and are currently assisting investigators.

The Command said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons who took part in the unlawful killing.

CP warns against jungle justice

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the killings in the strongest terms.

He described the incident as a gross violation of the law and warned that anyone found taking the law into his or her own hands would face prosecution irrespective of status.

The police commissioner reminded residents that under Nigerian law, every suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

He stressed that members of the public have no legal authority to investigate, punish or execute anyone based on suspicion or rumours.

Rabiu urged residents to report suspected criminals to the nearest police station or other security agencies instead of resorting to mob action.

Second mob killing in the same axis

The latest killings have renewed concerns over the recurrence of jungle justice in communities around Maraban Jos.

Barely two weeks earlier, Ummulkhairi Muhammad was lynched and burnt to death after she was accused of attempting to steal a child.

She had reportedly been taken into police protective custody before an angry mob allegedly overpowered security personnel, dragged her out and set her ablaze.

The Kaduna State Police Command later condemned the incident and arrested several suspects while promising to ensure justice.m
The two separate incidents have left four people dead within two weeks, prompting renewed calls for stronger public enlightenment on the dangers of mob justice.

Growing concern

Security experts and human rights advocates say the recurring incidents underscore the need for communities to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal allegations.

They warned that jungle justice often claims innocent lives, undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in the criminal justice system.

They also called for sustained public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws against mob violence to deter future occurrences.

Investigation continues

The Kaduna State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and bringing every person involved in the killings to book.

The Command appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding, cooperate with investigators and provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects still at large.

It maintained that while residents have a responsibility to report suspicious activities, no one has the right to act as investigator, prosecutor and judge, warning that jungle justice remains a serious criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.