Tragedy struck in Kasuwan-Garba town, Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Saturday evening when a mob lynched and set ablaze a woman accused of making a blasphemous remark against Prophet Muhammad.

The victim, identified as Amaye, a local food vendor, allegedly made the controversial comment in her restaurant after a customer jokingly expressed interest in marrying her, citing the Prophet’s tradition.

According to eyewitnesses, Amaye was initially taken to the palace of the District Head of Kasuwan-Garba, who handed her over to security operatives for investigation. However, before due process could be carried out, an angry mob overpowered the officers, lynched her, and set her remains ablaze.

Confirming the incident, Abbas Adamu Kasuwan-Garba, Chairman of Mariga LGA, said that normalcy had since been restored to the community.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, issued a statement on Sunday, saying:

“On 30/8/2025 at about 2pm, report received indicated that one Amaye, a female of Kasuwan-Garba, Mariga LGA, made some comments against the Islamic Prophet. Unfortunately, it led to a mob attack and she was set ablaze before the reinforcement of the security teams. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to ensure that arrests are effected, investigated, and prosecuted.”

The gruesome killing underscores the persistent menace of mob justice in northern Nigeria, where allegations of blasphemy have repeatedly led to extrajudicial killings, despite warnings from authorities and religious leaders for disputes to be handled through lawful means.