Mob kills woman accused of blasphemy in Niger State

A mob in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State has lynched a female food vendor known as Ammaye after accusations of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad sparked outrage among residents.

According to a report by AIT, the attack happened at Kasuwan Garba market.

Witnesses said the confrontation began earlier in the nearby community of Igwama when the woman, who is also Muslim and familiar to locals as a food seller, reportedly had a heated exchange with a young man described as her nephew.

According to accounts, the man jokingly proposed to her, saying he wanted to marry her to “fulfil the Sunnah.” Her response was considered offensive, prompting anger among community members.

The dispute was taken to the palace of the District Head of Kasuwan Garba, where Ammaye was questioned. Witnesses said she repeated her earlier comments during the interrogation.

The District Head subsequently handed her over to security operatives for investigation. However, a crowd of enraged youths demanded her immediate execution. Despite efforts by security personnel to protect her, the mob overpowered them and stoned her to death.

Mariga Local Government Chairman, Abbas Adamu, confirmed the incident and said calm has since returned to the area.