A woman accused of child theft was killed and set ablaze by a mob in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna State on Sunday after being forcibly taken from police custody, according to the Kaduna State Police Command.

The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, disclosed the incident in a statement, describing the act as barbaric and a direct attack on the rule of law.

Hassan said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos received a distress call at about 10:00 a.m. reporting that a woman was being assaulted by a mob over allegations of child theft. He noted that no evidence was presented to substantiate the claim.

Following the report, the DPO led a team of officers to the scene, rescued the woman from the mob and took her to the police station for her safety and further investigation.

However, the situation later escalated when a large crowd, numbering in the hundreds, reportedly stormed the police station.

According to the police, the mob overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, killed her and subsequently set her body ablaze.

“The victim is a native of Maraban Jos.

The Command describes this act as barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law,” Hassan said.

“No person or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands.”

The police spokesperson confirmed that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.

He added that a comprehensive investigation has commenced and assured that all those found culpable would be prosecuted.

Hassan also stated that the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the incident and warned that the command would not tolerate acts of jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police formations and personnel.

The police urged residents to report suspicious persons and activities through appropriate channels and allow law enforcement agencies to handle investigations and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Kaduna State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring justice is served.