Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has pledged that the state government would assume responsibility for the welfare of the family of the late Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu, who was brutally lynched by a mob at Maraban Jos in Igabi Local Government Area.
The Governor made the pledge over the weekend during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family, assuring them that the state government would cater for the upkeep of her husband and four children, including sponsoring the children’s education.
Malama Ummulkhairi, an Islamic teacher, was on penultimate Sunday attacked and killed by a mob which accused her of attempting to kidnap children. Her body was subsequently set ablaze in the gruesome incident that sparked widespread outrage.
Addressing the bereaved family, Governor Sani condemned the mob action in strong terms and vowed that all those responsible for the killing would face the full weight of the law.
He disclosed that although he was out of the state on an official assignment when the incident occurred, he immediately directed senior government officials to visit the family and has since been working closely with security agencies to ensure justice is served.
“I’m working with the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS), as well as other relevant security agencies to get to the root of the matter,” the Governor said.
According to him, investigations have made significant progress, with 41 suspects already charged with culpable homicide, while another 41 persons have been investigated. He added that 30 suspects have also been arraigned for unlawful assembly.
Governor Sani maintained that everyone found culpable, irrespective of status or influence, would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent against mob justice.
He also called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of security personnel during the incident, particularly the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Maraban Jos, to determine whether there was any negligence or complicity.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished in Kaduna State.
