Three years after a student, Deborah Samuel, was stoned to death in Sokoto, irate Islamic jihadists have killed another woman over blasphemy allegations in the Mariga local government area of Niger State.

The woman identified as “Amaye,” a restauranteur was lynched by mob over allegation of blasphemy, the Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

The statement noted, “A report was received that one Amaye, a female resident of Kasuwan-Garba in the Mariga LGA, allegedly made some utterances considered offensive to the Islamic faith. Her comments quickly provoked anger among members of the community. 

“Unfortunately, it led to a mob attack, and the woman was set ablaze before the reinforcement of security teams could arrive at the scene.’’

Ms Amaye’s killing mirrored how Ms Samuel was killed three years ago in Sokoto. However, Nigerian police had yet to arrest or prosecute anybody over her death.”

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, condemned Amaye’s killing of Ms Amaye, urging Nigerian authorities to arrest and prosecute her killers.


The Amnesty International; stated in a statement, “The lynching of Amaye following an exchange with a young man is deplorable, and authorities must ensure those responsible for her death are immediately arrested and brought to justice. That a mob overpowered security personnel and instantly lynched her shows utter disregard for the sanctity of life and due process.

“The Nigerian authorities must curtail the impunity that has led to an increase in mob violence and arrest those involved in this reprehensible act and also ensure that they are held to account.”