Kaduna Governor Vows Support for Relatives of Woman Lynched by Angry Crowd

n n

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pledged that the state government will assume responsibility for the welfare of the family of the late Ummulkhairi Aliyu, the woman who was lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

n

The governor said his administration would cater for the upkeep of the deceased’s husband and four children, including sponsoring the children’s education.

n

Sani made the pledge on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family in Maraban Jos, nearly two weeks after the killing.

n

The late Ummulkhairi, an Islamic teacher, was beaten to death by an irate mob on June 14 following allegations that she attempted to kidnap children.

n

Her body was subsequently set ablaze before security operatives restored normalcy to the area.

n

Speaking during the visit, the governor condemned the mob action, describing it as barbaric and assuring the family that justice would be served.

n

He said, “I was out of Kaduna State on an official assignment when this unfortunate incident occurred, but I immediately directed senior government officials to visit the family and commiserate with them.

n

“I also want to assure you that the Kaduna State Government will take responsibility for the welfare of the family. We will support the husband and ensure that the four children receive quality education.”

n

The governor disclosed that he had been working closely with security agencies to ensure that everyone involved in the killing was brought to justice.

n

According to him, “I’m working with the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service, as well as all the relevant security agencies in Kaduna State to get to the root of the matter.

n

“I’m happy to say that they have carried out extensive investigations into this incident. As we are speaking, about 41 persons have been charged with culpable homicide.

n

“Another 41 persons have undergone investigation, bringing the total number investigated to 82, while 30 suspects have also been charged with unlawful assembly.”

n

He vowed that no individual implicated in the killing would escape justice, regardless of status.

n

“Everyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law. We must send a clear message that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” the governor added.

n

While commending security agencies for their swift response and ongoing investigation, Uba Sani directed that the role played by some security personnel, particularly the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Maraban Jos, be thoroughly investigated.

n

He maintained that any officer found to have acted negligently or compromised the investigation would also be held accountable.

n

The killing of Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu sparked widespread condemnation across the country, with religious leaders, civil society organisations and human rights advocates demanding justice and stronger measures to curb mob violence.

n

Following the incident, the Kaduna State Police Command launched an intensive investigation, leading to the arrest and arraignment of scores of suspects for offences including culpable homicide and unlawful assembly. The state government has repeatedly assured residents that all those connected with the killing will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

n n