Police arrest six over mob killing of two travellers in Kaduna
Six Arrested in Kaduna for Killing of Travelers Mistaken as Kidnappers
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended six suspects in connection with the fatal attack on two travelers in Gidan Kaku village, located near Maraban Jos. This incident stemmed from false accusations that the victims were kidnappers.
According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the incident occurred on July 1, 2026. The victims, Muhammadu Sani, 45, and his friend Aliyu Mohammed, 40, were riding a motorcycle to visit a sick relative in Tudun Wada Zaria when they were confronted by an agitated crowd.
The statement detailed that the situation escalated when individuals in the village suspected the men of wrongdoing due to their new motorcycle and began shouting “thieves.” Fearing for their safety, Sani and Mohammed abandoned the motorcycle and attempted to flee. However, they were chased, attacked, and ultimately lynched despite their reassurances that they were not thieves and that some members of the mob were familiar with them.
In response to the incident, police from the Birnin Yero Division acted swiftly, leading to the arrests of Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo and five others. Hassan reported that the suspects have confessed to their involvement and remain in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to identify additional participants in the crime.
Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad condemned the brutal act and assured the public that those responsible would face legal consequences, regardless of their social standing. He emphasized the importance of due process and cautioned against taking justice into one’s own hands.
“Every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Muhammad stated. He advised community members to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement rather than resorting to vigilante justice.