Prominent Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria on Monday visited the family of the late Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu, the Muslim woman lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, and called for justice over her killing.
The delegation, led by the chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, paid a condolence visit to the deceased’s residence, where they sympathised with the family and condemned the brutal killing, warning that the growing trend of mob justice poses a serious threat to the rule of law and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking during the visit, Hayab said Nigerians must reject a culture in which individuals take the law into their own hands, insisting that every citizen, regardless of the allegations against them, deserves a fair hearing.
He said the Christian delegation considered it both a moral and spiritual obligation to identify with the grieving family, stressing that faith should unite people in moments of pain rather than divide them.
Hayab called on the federal government, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to ensure that all those involved in the killing are arrested and prosecuted.
“Government must do more to ensure that this kind of tragedy never happens again to any Nigerian, whether Christian, Muslim or adherent of any other faith. Human life is sacred, and justice must always prevail over mob action,” he said.
During the visit, the delegation also spoke by telephone with the deceased’s husband, Malam Aliyu Mohammed, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Hayab commended Mohammed’s conduct in the aftermath of the tragedy, describing it as an example of courage, maturity and humanity despite his personal loss.
Responding by telephone, Mohammed expressed profound appreciation to the Christian leaders for identifying with his family during what he described as one of the darkest moments of their lives.
He said although his health condition prevented him from personally receiving the delegation, their visit and prayers had brought comfort and renewed hope to his family.
Mohammed appealed to government authorities to ensure that justice is served for his late wife while expressing concern about the welfare of the children she left behind.
“No family should have to endure such a painful experience. We appeal to the government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
Other members of the delegation included the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji; the president of the Kaduna Baptist Conference, Rev. Ishaya Adamu Jangado; and other Christian leaders from across the region.
