Al-Mu’minaat, MMWG demand justice for lynched Kaduna teacher

•Continued captivity of Oriire pupils, teachers heartbreaking, unacceptable — Al-Mu’minaat

THE national headquarters of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women Organisation) and the Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Media Watch Group (MMWG) have condemned the lynching of an Islamiyya teacher, Malama Ummulkhair, in Kaduna State, describing the incident as a grave assault on justice, human dignity, women’s safety and the rule of law.

Ummulkhair, a mother of four, was lynched and set ablaze on Sunday in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following a false allegation of child theft.

She was reportedly on her way to an Islamic lecture when some children raised an alarm accusing her of attempting to kidnap them.

Despite being taken into police custody for protection, she was later killed after a mob reportedly overpowered security personnel and attacked her.

The reactions of Al-Mu’minaat and MMWG were contained in separate statements issued on Thursday. Al-Mu’minaat’s statement was signed by its National Amirah, Hajiya Jelilat Abdulhamid, while MMWG’s was signed by the group’s coordinator, Imam Mas’ud Akintola, and secretary, Ustaz Abdullah Adewumi.

Expressing shock and sadness, Al-Mu’minaat stressed that no allegation, suspicion or rumour can justify the taking of a human life.

“The lynching of Malama Ummulkhair is not only an attack on one woman; it is an attack on justice, the dignity of women, the sanctity of human life and the rule of law. No mother, teacher or citizen should lose her life because of an unverified accusation,” the organisation said.

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The group noted that the tragedy had left four innocent children without their mother and a family grappling with irreparable loss.

It described the deceased as a wife, mother, caregiver and educator whose life was cut short by misinformation, mob violence and a breakdown of lawful processes.

According to Al-Mu’minaat, the incident underscores growing concerns about the safety and vulnerability of women in public spaces, particularly those who become victims of false accusations.

“It is deeply troubling that a woman could be attacked and killed while simply going about a lawful and peaceful activity,” Abdulhamid said, adding that the case raises serious questions about the protection available to women targeted by mob action and unverified allegations.

The organisation called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing, including allegations regarding the conduct of security personnel after the victim had been taken into police custody.

While acknowledging reports of arrests, Al-Mu’minaat insisted that justice must go beyond arrests and culminate in the prosecution of all those found culpable.

“We demand a comprehensive investigation, the prosecution of all perpetrators and accountability for any public officials whose actions or negligence may have contributed to this tragedy. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” it stated.

The group also urged the Kaduna State government and relevant agencies to provide psychosocial support, educational assistance and welfare interventions for the deceased’s children and bereaved family.

Similarly, the MMWG described the killing as “horrific, reprehensible, preposterous and condemnable,” calling on law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

“The descent into criminalising Muslims, mostly women in niqab, and the escalating vicious culture of jungle justice should be condemned by all. The trend must be urgently arrested by the authorities,” the group said.

It also urged the government to establish an investigative panel to examine the alleged complicity or negligence of police officers on duty when the deceased reportedly sought refuge at the station before she was attacked.

The organisation warned that failure to thoroughly investigate the incident would raise serious concerns about the ability of authorities to protect citizens.

Al-Mu’minaat further warned against the growing menace of jungle justice, misinformation and mob violence, noting that false accusations and rumours often lead to irreversible tragedies.

The organisation urged members of the public to report suspicions to law enforcement agencies and allow lawful investigations to take place rather than taking the law into their own hands.

The group also advised Muslim women, particularly those travelling to unfamiliar communities, to remain vigilant, move in groups where possible, avoid isolated locations and prioritise their safety amid what it described as an increasing atmosphere of suspicion, tension and misinformation.

Meanwhile, Al-Mu’minaat expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The organisation condemned the abduction and urged the Federal Government, Oyo State government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of all victims.

While commending ongoing rescue efforts, the group called for strengthened security architecture across rural and underserved communities, warning that areas with limited security presence often become safe havens for kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“Many rural communities remain exposed due to inadequate security presence. Government must take proactive measures to secure these areas and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate freely. The safety of our children, teachers and all citizens must remain a top priority,” the statement said.

Al-Mu’minaat extended condolences to the family of Malama Ummulkhair and prayed for the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, as well as lasting peace, justice and security across Nigeria.