BTvNEWS

Community Leaders, Residents Commend Swift Police Response as Dialogue and Peacebuilding Efforts Gain Momentum

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku
BTV NEWS | Kaduna, Nigeria

BTvNEWS: The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu psc, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the mob killing of an Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallama Ummulkhairi, who was allegedly lynched on Sunday, 21 June 2026, in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna State after being accused of child kidnapping.

The directive, issued immediately after the incident, underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all those connected with the unlawful killing are thoroughly investigated in accordance with the law and that justice is served.

As part of immediate measures aimed at strengthening public confidence and restoring calm in the affected community, the Commissioner of Police approved the redeployment of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos Division to the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters.

Police sources further disclosed that, upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation by the Kaduna State Command, the case is expected to be transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, for further investigation and other necessary actions.

In what observers have described as a proactive confidence-building initiative, a new Divisional Police Officer has since assumed duty at the Maraban Jos Division.

Since taking over, the new DPO has embarked on extensive community engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women leaders, civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and other critical stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent any recurrence of mob violence.

Residents of Maraban Jos who spoke with BTV NEWS correspondent commended the swift intervention of the Kaduna State Police Command, describing the Commissioner’s decisive actions as reassuring and instrumental in restoring peace and normalcy to the community.

Speaking with BTV NEWS, a resident of Maraban Jos, Aliu Sani, said:

“We are elated by the prompt action of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police. Normalcy has returned to Maraban Jos, and people are gradually going about their lawful businesses without fear. We sincerely appreciate the timely intervention and the commitment of the Police Command to restoring peace.”

Another resident, Hajiya Farida Sulaiman, also said:

“Our new DPO has been busy with community engagement, which has been yielding positive results, and we are indeed grateful to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police and the new DPO. Their openness, accessibility and willingness to listen to the people have made a remarkable difference in restoring confidence within the community.”

Similarly, Mallam Salisu also said:

“We are grateful to Allah, who has taken charge of the ugly incident in no distant time by giving the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police the required wisdom and guidance to douse the tension by taking the right steps. We pray that lasting peace, unity and mutual understanding will continue to prevail in our community.”

Community leaders and other stakeholders have also appealed to residents to reject misinformation, rumours, and every form of jungle justice.

They stressed that allegations of criminal conduct should always be reported to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation, emphasizing that only competent courts of law have the constitutional authority to determine guilt or innocence.

Security analysts have described the Kaduna State Police Command’s combination of prompt investigation, strategic leadership changes, and sustained community engagement as an important confidence-building measure capable of strengthening police-public relations.

They noted that continued collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and residents remains critical to preventing similar incidents and fostering lasting peace across Kaduna State.

As investigations continue, residents have expressed optimism that justice will be served for the deceased and that all those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

They further called for sustained public enlightenment campaigns against mob action, stressing that the tragic incident should serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of due process, responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.