Mob Kills Female Food Seller in Niger State Over Alleged Blasphemy
Mariga, Niger State — August 30, 2025
A female food vendor known only as Ammaye was lynched and set ablaze by a mob of angry youths in Kasuwan-Garba, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, following remarks deemed blasphemous towards the Prophet Muhammad.
According to eyewitnesses, the altercation occurred after a young man, reportedly her nephew, made a pointed joke that he wanted to marry her “to fulfill the Sunnah.” In response, she allegedly made a comment that enraged local youth. The matter was reported at the palace of the District Head, where she repeated the statement during interrogation.
When security operatives were called, a mob overwhelmed them, dragged her out, pelted stones, and ultimately burned her alive before reinforcements could arrive.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stating that efforts are underway to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Mariga LGA Chairman Abbas Adamu said calm has been restored to the area.
Amnesty International Nigeria has urged authorities to “immediately and transparently investigate” the killing, condemning the use of mob justice to replace lawful judicial processes.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern states denounced the act, demanding swift arrests and prosecution. Rev. John Hayab, CAN’s chairman, cited the failure of religious and legal authorities to dissuade such violent extreme behaviour.
This heinous act echoes earlier mob killings in Nigeria, notably the lynching of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto in 2022 over alleged blasphemy. Reports indicate that jungle justice, vigilante mob violence without due process, is increasingly common in response to blasphemy, theft, and rumors.
The killing of Ammaye underscores a recurring and disturbing erosion of the rule of law. Despite constitutional protections and formal justice structures, deeply rooted societal and religious tensions continue to manifest in tragic, violent ways. Human rights groups warn that without accountability, such brutality will likely continue unabated.
