From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, led a delegation of Christian clerics and youth leaders from the 19 Northern states on a condolence visit to the family of the late Malamah Ummulkhairi, a Muslim woman allegedly lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State.
The delegation, which included prominent Christian religious leaders, representatives of Northern Christian youth organizations, and peace advocates, visited the bereaved family to express condolences, offer prayers for the deceased, and show solidarity during their time of grief.
According to members of the delegation, the visit also aimed to promote peaceful coexistence, interfaith harmony, and respect for the sanctity of human life regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Speaking during the visit, Dalung described the killing as a tragic reminder of the dangers of mob violence and jungle justice. He stated that no society can achieve lasting peace and development where innocent lives are taken outside the law.
He emphasized that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to a fair hearing and that no individual or group has the authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner.
“Humanity must always come first. We must value every human life regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status. Together, we can build a society where justice is pursued through lawful institutions and not through violence,” Dalung said.
The former minister urged the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He further appealed to citizens, especially young people in the 19 Northern states, to remain calm, reject violence, and continue promoting peace, unity, and mutual respect among different faith groups.
Additionally, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna, stated that the visit demonstrated the commitment of Northern Christian leaders to stand with victims of injustice, regardless of religious ties.
He mentioned that several Christian clerics traveled from across Northern Nigeria to support the bereaved family, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to Pastor Buru, all religions teach the sanctity of human life, compassion, forgiveness, and justice.
“As religious leaders, we have a responsibility to speak against every form of violence and injustice. Taking the law into your own hands is unacceptable and must be condemned by all peace-loving Nigerians,” he said.
He called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community leaders to boost campaigns against mob violence while encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Similarly, Mr. Isaac Abrak, the National Chairman of the Northern Nigerian Christian Youth Professionals, urged regional youths to reject jungle justice and avoid actions that threaten the peace that unites their communities.
He stressed that disagreements and accusations should always be handled through lawful means, warning that violence only worsens divides and hampers national unity.
On behalf of the family, Mallam Aliyu, the husband of the late Malamah Ummulkhairi, expressed deep gratitude to the delegation for their compassion, prayers, and support.
He said the visit provided comfort to the grieving family and proved that people of different faiths can unite in sorrow and stand together against injustice.
The condolence visit ended with special prayers for the deceased’s soul, blessings for her family, and renewed calls for justice, accountability, and ongoing interfaith collaboration to prevent future tragedies.
The delegation reaffirmed that protecting human life and ensuring justice are collective responsibilities for all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
