Police vow to arrest killers of food vendor accused of blasphemy in Niger state

The Niger State police command says it has launched a manhunt for those behind the killing of a food vendor, identified as Amaye, who was lynched over alleged blasphemy.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, condemned the act, describing it as jungle justice.

He said the command had intensified investigations to arrest the perpetrators and restore calm in the affected community.

Eyewitnesses said the incident happened in Igwama, where the woman, a Muslim and well-known food seller, reportedly exchanged words with a young man believed to be her nephew.

The young man was said to have jokingly told her he wanted to marry her to “fulfil the Sunnah”, prompting a response from her that was considered blasphemous by some residents.

The matter was later taken to the palace of the district head of Kasuwan Garba, where the woman was interrogated.

Witnesses said she repeated the remarks during questioning, after which the district head handed her over to security operatives for further investigation.

However, a crowd of angry youths reportedly resisted the handover and insisted on her immediate execution.

Despite efforts by security personnel to protect her, the mob overpowered them and stoned her to death.