Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
KEFFI, Nigeria — Tension swept through parts of Keffi in Nasarawa State on Thursday after a young boy was allegedly murdered in what residents described as a gruesome and deeply disturbing incident in the Tsohon Kasuwa area of the town.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect, identified by locals as Samaila Zaria, allegedly killed the child and removed his eyeballs, triggering immediate outrage within the densely populated market district. News of the incident spread rapidly through the community, drawing crowds to the scene and escalating emotions.
According to residents, an angry mob apprehended the suspect shortly after the alleged crime was discovered. Before security operatives could arrive to take him into custody, the crowd reportedly set him ablaze. He was burnt to death at the scene.
The double tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning. Residents described the killing of the child as barbaric and heartbreaking, while also expressing concern over the swift resort to mob justice. Several community members said the intensity of public anger reflected longstanding fears about ritual-related crimes, which periodically spark panic in parts of the country.
As of press time, the Nasarawa State Police Command had not issued an official statement detailing the circumstances of the incident. However, local sources indicated that security personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further unrest.
Community leaders and religious figures have since appealed for calm, urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. They stressed that while the alleged crime was horrifying, extrajudicial action undermines due process and complicates investigations.
Legal analysts note that mob killings not only obstruct the judicial process but also eliminate the possibility of a full criminal investigation that could determine motive, accomplices or broader criminal networks. Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that vigilante justice, though often fueled by anger and fear, can erode the rule of law and create cycles of violence.
Residents in Tsohon Kasuwa and surrounding neighborhoods remained tense on Thursday evening, with many businesses closing early amid fears of possible reprisals or unrest. Parents were seen keeping children indoors, while groups of young men gathered at street corners discussing the events.
The killing has also renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering and improved community policing structures in Keffi and other urban centers across Nasarawa State. Local stakeholders argue that timely intervention by security agencies could help prevent both violent crimes and retaliatory mob actions.
Authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into both the alleged murder of the child and the subsequent mob action that led to the suspect’s death. Security officials face the complex task of reconstructing the sequence of events and determining whether others were involved in either incident.
As the community grapples with grief and anger, leaders have emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to carry out thorough investigations and ensure that justice, in all respects, is pursued through lawful means.
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