The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the brutal mob killing of a school teacher, Ummulkhairi, in Kaduna State, describing the incident as a horrifying act of jungle justice and a direct assault on the rule of law.
A statement signed on Wednesday by its National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the killing.
CDHR said Ummulkhairi was allegedly lynched and burnt by a mob following what it described as an unverified and baseless allegation of child kidnapping.
The group said the deceased had only asked some children for directions to a school where she intended to attend an Islamic lecture before she was falsely accused.
“The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) strongly condemns the gruesome lynching and burning of a school teacher, Ummulkhairi, by a mob in Kaduna State following an unverified and baseless allegation of child kidnapping,” the statement read.
According to the organisation, the incident reflected one of the most disturbing examples of mob violence and the breakdown of respect for lawful processes in the country.
“The horrifying incident, which reportedly occurred after the deceased merely asked some children for directions to a school where she intended to attend an Islamic lecture, represents one of the most disturbing examples of jungle justice and the collapse of respect for the rule of law in our society,” it said.
CDHR stated that available reports showed that Ummulkhairi was falsely accused after some individuals allegedly raised an alarm without any evidence.
The group said that despite being identified at a police station by community leaders, family members and Islamic scholars who reportedly confirmed her identity and innocence, an angry mob still attacked and killed her before setting her body ablaze.
“According to available reports, Ummulkhairi was falsely accused by some individuals who raised an alarm without any evidence. Despite being identified at the police station by community leaders, family representatives, and respected scholars who confirmed her identity and innocence, an angry mob allegedly took the law into its own hands.
“In a barbaric act that has shocked the conscience of every decent citizen, the mob attacked her, killed her, and set her body ablaze,” the statement added.
The human rights body described the killing as a gross violation of the victim’s right to life and an attack on justice, humanity and constitutional order.
“CDHR views this act not only as a gross violation of the victim’s fundamental right to life but also as a direct assault on justice, humanity, and the constitutional order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it stated.
The group said it was deeply troubling that a woman who had gone out in search of knowledge ended up becoming the victim of false accusations and criminal violence.
“It is deeply troubling that a woman whose only mission that day was to seek knowledge became the victim of false accusations, collective hysteria, and criminal violence. No society that claims to uphold justice can tolerate a situation where mere suspicion becomes a death sentence and where mobs arrogate to themselves the powers of investigation, prosecution, and execution,” CDHR said.
It also expressed concern that pleas from family members, religious leaders, community leaders and other concerned persons were allegedly ignored by the mob.
“We are particularly concerned by reports that pleas from family members, religious scholars, community leaders, and other concerned citizens were ignored by the perpetrators. Such conduct demonstrates a dangerous culture of impunity that must be decisively confronted by the authorities,” the organisation said.
The group called on the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing.
“The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights therefore calls on the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and all relevant law enforcement agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into this heinous crime. Every individual who participated in, facilitated, encouraged, or aided the mob action must be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
CDHR further demanded a probe into the security response to the incident to determine whether negligence or failure by security personnel contributed to Ummulkhairi’s death.
“CDHR further demands that authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the security response to the incident and establish whether any acts of negligence or failure contributed to the tragic loss of life,” it said.
The rights group also urged governments at all levels to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against mob action and jungle justice, stressing that accusations and suspicions do not amount to guilt.
“We also urge governments at all levels to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against jungle justice and mob violence. Citizens must be continually reminded that allegations, suspicions, or accusations do not amount to guilt and that only competent courts of law possess the constitutional authority to determine criminal liability,” it stated.
It warned that the killing of Ummulkhairi must not be allowed to pass without justice.
“The tragic death of Ummulkhairi must not be allowed to fade into another forgotten statistic. Justice must be done and must be seen to be done. The perpetrators must face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts of lawlessness,” CDHR said.
The organisation extended condolences to the family, colleagues, students and friends of the deceased, while reaffirming its commitment to defending human life and seeking justice for victims of mob violence.
“CDHR extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and students of the deceased. We share in their grief and reaffirm our commitment to pursuing justice and defending the sanctity of human life.
“A society governed by law cannot coexist with mob executions. Silence in the face of such barbarity only encourages its repetition.
“Justice for Ummulkhairi. Justice for every victim of jungle justice,” the statement added.
