(DDM) – The family of a woman identified as Khadijah, who was lynched by a mob in Kwara State after being falsely accused of child kidnapping, has called for swift justice.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Khadijah, who had battled mental illness for decades, was brutally beaten by angry residents who mistook her vulnerability for criminality.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage across Kwara State and beyond, with human rights groups, mental health advocates, and legal experts condemning the act as a clear case of jungle justice.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Plea
A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed Khadijah’s family in deep grief as they recounted the years of suffering she endured due to her deteriorating mental health.
One of her sisters, who broke down in tears during the recording, explained that Khadijah had been living with a brain-related illness for decades, which worsened after the death of their parents.
“She was not a bad woman,” the sister lamented.
“She had been battling health issues for many years. Our parents died during her illness, and she was left to raise her children alone. Sometimes, she went out to beg for food before returning home. She did not deserve such a death.”
The grieving family appealed directly to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
Elder Demands Accountability
An elder from the family described the killing as “deeply troubling,” noting that Khadijah’s mental condition had been known to members of the community.
“She was not a kidnapper. She was a woman who needed care, not death,” the elder stressed.
“We demand that the government and security agencies take decisive action. Those who carried out this evil act must be arrested and prosecuted. If justice is not served, her death will haunt those responsible forever.”
Jungle Justice in Nigeria: A Growing Menace
Observers say Khadijah’s death is yet another case of jungle justice—where angry mobs take the law into their own hands, often resulting in the brutal killing of innocent people.
Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing rise in such cases in recent years, with several victims falsely accused of theft, kidnapping, or ritual crimes, only for their innocence to be proven after their deaths.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and local advocacy groups, have repeatedly condemned these extrajudicial killings, warning that they undermine the rule of law and breed impunity.
Mental health advocates have also weighed in, describing Khadijah’s case as a tragic reminder of the stigma surrounding mental illness in Nigeria.
Dr. Ifeanyi Obinna, a mental health specialist, noted that individuals with mental conditions are often viewed as dangerous or evil due to cultural misconceptions.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for public education about mental health,” Dr. Obinna said.
“Mistaking mental illness for criminality is a serious problem. It can lead to violent acts like this and deepens the suffering of vulnerable people.”
Call for Government Action
Legal experts say the government must not only prosecute the perpetrators but also launch a public awareness campaign to combat jungle justice.
Barrister Chioma Okeke, a human rights lawyer, argued that cases like Khadijah’s highlight the weakness of Nigeria’s justice system in protecting innocent lives.
“When people feel that justice will not be served through legal channels, they resort to mob action,” she said.
“The government must show that no one is above the law and that those who take lives unlawfully will face consequences.”
National Outcry and Social Media Reactions
News of Khadijah’s death has sparked outrage on social media, where users have expressed anger and frustration over yet another case of mob violence.
Many demanded justice and urged the Kwara State government to make an example of those responsible to discourage future attacks.
One user wrote, “This is heartbreaking. She was sick, not a criminal. How long will this barbarism continue?”
Another tweeted, “Nigeria needs to confront the culture of jungle justice. Innocent lives are being wasted because of ignorance and fear.”
Broader Implications
Analysts believe Khadijah’s case could become a turning point in the fight against mob killings in Nigeria, provided authorities act decisively.
They argue that failure to prosecute offenders will embolden others and perpetuate a cycle of violence that has already claimed countless lives.
The Kwara State government, security agencies, and human rights organizations are expected to collaborate on the investigation, with public pressure mounting for swift action.
Final Appeal from the Family
The family insists they will not rest until justice is served.
“This is not just about Khadijah,” the elder said.
“It is about every innocent soul lost to mob violence. The government must ensure that her killers pay for their crime. Justice must prevail.”
