Vigilante killed in Abuja over blasphemy

A member of a vigilante group was Friday killed in the Lugbe area of Abuja over an alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.

Daily Trust on Sunday gathered that the mob killing occurred at the timber market section of Fruit Market in Federal Housing Estate, Lugbe.

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Eyewitnesses said the victim, a Muslim, was known for the act of blasphemy and that the latest was on midnight of Saturday.

The mob action took place around 1pm on Saturday after he sought refuge in the vigilante office in the market.

It was gathered that the local security outfit was outnumbered by the mob that killed him in front of the office and thereafter, burnt his remains.

“He was caught after buying food in the market in the afternoon because when the blasphemy occurred, it was just few people who were there, then, a stick was used to hit him in the head. Though he had a gun with him, it was retrieved before the beating.

“Thereafter, he was stoned before he ran to the office. His colleagues at the office were aware of the incident, so they couldn’t shield him due to the number of people that chased him. After he was unconscious, petrol was poured over him, and so as not to stoke any fear in the market, he was burnt in front of the office,” said Halilu, a trader.

When our reporter visited the scene, the scorched tyres used in burning him could be seen, while traders locked their shops and fled for fear of further violence.

However, with the presence of policemen, the place was calm, but it was learnt that three persons were shot by the police.