Police condemn act as attack on rule of law; no evidence presented against victim before lynching

A woman accused of child theft was killed and set ablaze by a mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday after being forcibly removed from police custody. The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a barbaric act undermining the rule of law.

According to Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for Kaduna State Police Command, the Divisional Police Officer for Maraban Jos received a distress call at around 10:00 a.m., reporting that a woman was being assaulted by a crowd over allegations of stealing a child. Hassan said officers responded swiftly, rescued the woman from the mob, and brought her to the police station for protection and investigation. He also noted that no evidence was provided to support the claim against her.

Shortly after the initial rescue, a large number of people estimated in the hundreds reportedly stormed the police station. The mob overpowered officers on duty, forcibly took the woman out of custody, killed her and set her body on fire in full view of bystanders. The police identified the victim as a native of Maraban Jos.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about mob justice and public confidence in law enforcement across Kaduna State and Nigeria at large. Cases of lynching over unproven allegations have been widely condemned by civil society groups and human rights advocates, who argue that such acts erode legal processes and endanger innocent lives.

Reacting to the development, Police Public Relations Officer Hassan described the incident as an affront to legal institutions. “This act is not only barbaric but also represents a direct attack on our collective efforts to uphold justice,” he said in a statement released Sunday afternoon. He reiterated that investigations would continue and assured residents that efforts are underway to identify those responsible for inciting violence at the station.

The police command has appealed to members of the public to desist from taking laws into their own hands and urged anyone with information about those involved in the attack to come forward. As at press time, no arrests had been announced while security presence was increased in Maraban Jos to forestall further unrest.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/woman-lynched-set-ablaze-after-mob-overpowers-kaduna-police/

Starmer’s exit comes days after mounting pressure from Labour Party lawmakers and Cabinet members

United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from office, bringing an abrupt end to his leadership during a period of intense political uncertainty. The resignation was officially announced on Monday, 22 June 2026, following a week of internal party disputes and mounting calls for change from senior Labour Party figures in London.

The development unfolded as several prominent Cabinet members and lawmakers within the Labour Party openly questioned Starmer’s ability to maintain party unity after recent policy setbacks. The pressure reportedly intensified over the weekend, leading to closed-door meetings among top Labour officials and culminating in Starmer’s decision to step down from the role he has held since 2020.

Starmer’s resignation marks a significant shift for the Labour Party at a time when the UK faces economic challenges and shifting political alliances post-Brexit. Many Nigerians living in the UK and those with family ties to Britain will be watching closely to see how the leadership change affects immigration policy, student visas, and bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

While there has been no immediate statement from Downing Street regarding Starmer’s successor, opposition voices within Labour have long criticised his handling of internal divisions and policy reversals. Meanwhile, senior Conservatives have called for swift appointment of a replacement to maintain government stability.

The coming days are expected to bring clarity on Labour’s leadership transition as well as potential shifts in government direction. For Nigerians with interests in the UK, analysts say any changes in immigration or economic policy under new leadership could have direct implications for students, professionals, and families across both countries.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889738-breaking-uk-prime-minister-keir-starmer-resigns.html

Troops intensify operations in Oriire LGA after abductors holding 39 pupils, seven teachers shift tactics under pressure

Kidnappers responsible for the abduction of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, have dropped some of their initial demands and are now focused mainly on securing ransom payments. The change in tactics comes as troops and security operatives maintain a heavy presence around the suspected hideout inside the National Park forest area.

Initially, the abductors—believed to be linked with Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram—had issued four key demands. These included the release of detained commanders Mahmud Usman (alias Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar) and his deputy Abubakar Abba (known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri), payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and introduction of Sharia-related laws. Security sources confirmed that both commanders were arrested by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives last year.

The situation has heightened concerns among residents and parents in the affected Oyo communities. Many have called on government at both state and federal levels to ensure the safe release of those abducted. This latest development underscores ongoing insecurity challenges faced by communities in South-West Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become a persistent threat.

While there has been no official statement from Oyo State Police Command or the Nigerian Army regarding negotiations with the kidnappers, sources involved in the rescue efforts say military operations are ongoing and all access routes to the hideout have been blocked to prevent any escape. The authorities are yet to confirm if any ransom negotiations are being facilitated by either government officials or intermediaries.

As at press time, families of the victims remain anxious for updates on rescue efforts. Security agencies have assured that they will continue their operations until all abductees are freed and perpetrators apprehended. The incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced community security measures across Oyo State and neighbouring regions.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/oyo-kidnappers-drop-demands-shift-focus-to-ransom-as-troops-tighten-siege/