* Seeks swift release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers in Oyo
The national headquarters of Al-Mu’minaat, The Believing Women Organisation, has condemned the gruesome lynching of an Islamiyya teacher, Malama Ummulkhair, in Kaduna State, describing the incident as an attack on justice, human dignity, women’s safety and the rule of law.
Recall that the Islamic teacher and mother of four was lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob on Sunday in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following a false allegation of child theft.
The victim was reportedly on her way to attend an Islamic lecture when some children allegedly raised an alarm accusing her of attempting to kidnap them. Despite being taken into police custody for protection, she was later killed after a mob reportedly overpowered security personnel and attacked her.
In a statement signed by its National Amirah, Hajia Jelilat Abdulhamid, on Thursday, Al-Mu’minaat expressed shock and deep sadness over the incident, saying no allegation, suspicion or rumour could justify the taking of a human life.
“The lynching of Malama Ummulkhair is not only an attack on one woman; it is an attack on justice, the dignity of women, the sanctity of human life and the rule of law. No mother, teacher or citizen should lose her life because of an unverified accusation,” the statement said.
The organisation noted that the tragic incident had left four innocent children without their mother and a family grappling with an irreparable loss.
According to the group, beyond being an Islamic teacher, Ummulkhair was a wife, mother, caregiver and educator whose life was cut short by misinformation, mob violence and a breakdown of lawful processes.
Al-Mu’minaat said the incident highlights growing concerns about the safety and vulnerability of women in public spaces, particularly those who may become victims of false accusations.
“It is deeply troubling that a woman could be attacked and killed while simply going about a lawful and peaceful activity. This incident raises serious questions about the protection available to women who become targets of mob action and unverified allegations,” Abdulhamid stated.
The organisation called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into all circumstances surrounding the killing, including allegations regarding the conduct of security personnel and the events that led to the victim’s death after she had been taken into police custody.
While acknowledging reports of arrests made in connection with the incident, the group stressed that justice must go beyond arrests and culminate in the prosecution of all those found culpable.
“We demand a comprehensive investigation, the prosecution of all perpetrators and accountability for any public officials whose actions or negligence may have contributed to this tragedy. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement added.
The women’s organisation further urged the Kaduna State Government and relevant agencies to provide psychosocial support, educational assistance and welfare interventions for the deceased’s four children and bereaved family.
Al-Mu’minaat also warned against the growing menace of jungle justice, misinformation and mob violence in parts of the country, noting that false accusations and rumours often lead to irreversible tragedies.
The group urged members of the public to report suspicions to law enforcement agencies and allow lawful investigations to take place rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, the organisation noted that Islam places a high premium on the sanctity of human life and strictly prohibits vigilantism, unlawful killings and punishment based on suspicion or hearsay.
The statement reminded Muslims that justice requires verification of facts before judgment and that every individual would be accountable before Allah for shedding innocent blood.
As part of efforts to enhance personal safety, Al-Mu’minaat has advised Muslim women, particularly those travelling to unfamiliar communities, to remain vigilant, security conscious and, where possible, move in groups.
“We urge our daughters, sisters, wives and mothers to be vigilant at all times. Where possible, women should move in groups, especially when attending programmes or travelling to places they are unfamiliar with. Moving in groups may reduce vulnerability and minimise the risk of false accusations or misunderstandings,” the organisation said.
The group also encouraged women to avoid isolated locations, exercise caution during late-night movements and refrain from engaging in unnecessary confrontations or arguments in public places.
“We are concerned about the increasing atmosphere of suspicion, tension and misinformation in some communities. We therefore advise Muslim women to remain vigilant, conduct themselves with wisdom and dignity, and prioritise their safety at all times,” it added.
The organisation also called for sustained public sensitisation against mob justice, stronger collaboration between community leaders and security agencies, and awareness campaigns promoting peaceful conflict resolution and social cohesion.
It urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, women’s groups, youth organisations and civil society actors to work together in addressing the root causes of mob violence and restoring public confidence in lawful dispute resolution mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the organisation expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Al-Mu’minaat condemned the abduction in strong terms, noting that children and educators should never become targets of criminal elements under any circumstance.
“It is deeply unfortunate that innocent schoolchildren and their teachers remain in captivity. We condemn this heinous act in its entirety and pray that Allah exposes and disgraces the perpetrators as well as those sponsoring and supporting such criminal activities,” the statement said.
The group acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies aimed at securing the release of the victims.
While commending the authorities for the steps taken so far, the organisation urged them to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all those still in captivity.
“We appreciate the efforts and interventions already being undertaken by the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies. Nevertheless, we call for intensified efforts to ensure the safe and immediate release of all those still being held by their abductors,” Abdulhamid said.
Al-Mu’minaat further called for strengthened security architecture across rural and underserved communities, warning that areas with limited security presence often become safe havens for kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
The organisation urged governments at all levels to improve surveillance, deploy more security personnel and enhance intelligence gathering in vulnerable rural communities to prevent future attacks.
“Many rural communities remain exposed due to inadequate security presence. Government must take proactive measures to secure these areas and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate freely. The safety of our children, teachers and all citizens must remain a top priority,” the statement added.
The group concluded by extending its condolences to the family of Malama Ummulkhair, praying for Allah’s mercy upon her soul and comfort for her loved ones. It also prayed for the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, and for lasting peace, justice and security across Nigeria.
Sponsored
Sponsored
Sponsored
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
