In a shocking display of vigilante violence that has left the community of Keffi reeling, a man accused of brutally murdering a young boy and harvesting his eyes was beaten to death and set ablaze by an enraged mob. The incident, which unfolded in the Tsohon Kasuwa area of Keffi town, Nasarawa State, highlights the perils of mob justice amid growing frustrations over security lapses in the region.
The tragedy began on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when the lifeless body of teenage boy Aliyu Muhammadu Lawal was discovered in a pit within a neighboring compound. According to eyewitness reports and statements from the boy's father, the victim had been strangled, his neck slashed, and his eyes gruesomely removed. The discovery sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with residents describing the scene as "barbaric and heartbreaking."
Eyewitnesses quickly pointed fingers at Samaila Zaria, a local man who was allegedly the last person seen with the boy. While details on how the community identified Zaria remain unclear—possibly based on rumors or direct sightings—the accusation spread like wildfire. Before police or security forces could intervene, an angry crowd descended on him. Zaria was reportedly dragged out, interrogated, and in some accounts, even confessed to the crime under duress before the mob took matters into their own hands.
Samaila Zaria, the suspect
"The outrage was immediate and intense," said a local resident who spoke to Report Naija on condition of anonymity. "People were screaming for justice, but it turned chaotic. He was beaten senseless and then set on fire right there on the spot. By the time authorities arrived, it was too late—he was burnt to ashes."
The Nasarawa State Police Command has since confirmed the lynching, acknowledging the mob's actions while urging calm. In a statement, police officials noted that investigations are ongoing into both the boy's murder and the subsequent vigilante killing. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the mob violence as of this reporting.
The boy's grieving father, in an emotional interview, recounted the horror of finding his son's mutilated body. "I leave that to God," he said, referring to the fate of the accused. He described visible signs of violence: eyes gouged out, head appearing smashed from the impact, and clear evidence of a struggle. The family and community are now in mourning, calling for enhanced security measures to prevent such heinous acts in the future.
This case raises disturbing questions about the motive behind the boy's killing. Was it a ritualistic act, as many in Nigeria suspect in similar organ-harvesting incidents? Or could it stem from mental instability or a personal grudge? Authorities have yet to provide clarity, but experts point to a troubling pattern of ritual murders linked to superstitions or black market demands for body parts in parts of the country.
Report Naija reached out to local officials for comment, but responses were pending at the time of publication. Community leaders are now advocating for dialogue and reliance on law enforcement to avoid further escalations of violence.
Incidents like this underscore the urgent need for stronger policing and public education on the dangers of mob justice, which often leads to miscarriages of justice and further trauma. As Keffi grapples with this double tragedy, residents hope for swift answers and lasting peace.
