Nigeria: Woman Burned Alive by Mob Over Alleged Criticism of Prophet Muhammad

Image: Jihad Watch

In a shocking act of mob violence, a woman in central Nigeria was brutally burned to death after being accused of making blasphemous remarks against Islam, local police confirmed on Monday.

According to the Niger State Police Command, the incident occurred on Saturday when the victim, identified as Amaye, a food vendor originally from Katsina State in northwest Nigeria, was allegedly overheard making comments about the Prophet Mohammed. Enraged by her words, a crowd gathered and launched a mob attack, ultimately setting her ablaze.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun described the killing as a “mob action” and strongly denounced it, stressing that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. He labeled the killing as a clear case of “jungle justice” and urged residents to remain calm as security forces intensified efforts to track down those responsible.

The incident highlights the continuing tensions in northern Nigeria, where religious sensitivities remain high. In 12 predominantly Muslim states, including Niger, Sharia law functions alongside the country’s secular legal system. Under Sharia provisions, blasphemy is considered a grave offense and can carry the death penalty. However, human rights groups and many legal experts have repeatedly warned that such mob killings bypass due process and often result in the innocent being targeted.

This case adds to a troubling pattern of mob violence in Nigeria linked to religious accusations, raising questions about the rule of law, the protection of individual rights, and the role of the state in preventing such extrajudicial killings.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)