The Sokoto State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a butcher, Usman Buda, by extremist Muslims over an alleged blasphemous comment against an Islamic prophet.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the butcher made the comment during an argument with another trader around 8am on Sunday at the Sokoto Main Abattoir.
Angered by his comment, an angry mob descended on him, beat him till he became unconscious and fled the scene.
The police, who stormed the scene, in a bid to rescue the victim, rushed him to the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto where he died during treatment.
Reacting to the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, said efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects.
He said, “A distress call was received around 09.20am that one Usman Buda of the Gwandu Local Government Area, a butcher at the Sokoto Abattoir, allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). As a result, he was mobbed and attacked.
“Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Metro and Divisional Police Officer, Kwanni, led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene.
“On arrival, the mob escaped the scene and left the victim unconscious where he was rescued and taken to the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto for treatment and was later confirmed dead. Meanwhile, an investigation is on to arrest the perpetrators.”
Sokoto gov vows to deal with blasphemers
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has vowed that his administration will deal decisively with anyone who commits ‘blasphemy’ against the Islamic Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (PBUH).
The governor made the revelation in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, while warning against any act capable of “degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is predominantly a Muslim-dominated community.”
The PUNCH reports that the Sokoto State Police Command had earlier confirmed the murder of a butcher, Usman Buda, who was killed on Sunday by extremist Muslims over an alleged blasphemous comment.
Some of Buda’s closest business partners in the market who made attempts to rescue him were also injured by the extremists, and now receiving medical treatment.
This was as the police promised to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to book.
Reacting to the development, Bawa said there’s a need for all the residents to respect and protect the prophet’s dignity and personality.
The statement read, “Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.
“Dr Aliyu said that Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.
“I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.
“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion,” he appealed.
Aliyu’s spokesperson further noted that the governor has warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is the wrong place for them.
Bawa said, “He added that the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in line with the provision of Islamic laws.
“The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.
“The governor also warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.”
Kano govt to rebuild demolished roundabout design in new location
The Kano State Government has revealed its plans to reconstruct the iconic roundabout design near the government house, which was previously demolished.
The government has decided to relocate the structure to a more secure location at the Naibawa Flyover on the outskirts of Kano City.
Governor Abba Yusuf, during a meeting with the designer of the Golden Jubilee edifice, Kaltume Hana, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to infrastructure development.
He assured citizens that the relocation had been carefully surveyed to ensure there would be no challenges posed by the new site.
He said, “This relocation is a testament to our commitment to preserving important cultural landmarks and promoting development in Kano State. We want to provide better projects for our citizens.”
Hana, the designer of the Golden Jubilee edifice, expressed her gratitude to Governor Yusuf and the Kano State government for preserving her unique work.
She said, “I am immensely grateful to Governor Yusuf and the Kano State government for recognising the value of my design. It is an honour to see my work being preserved and given a new home.”
The decision to relocate the roundabout design was made after careful consideration of its aesthetic and cultural significance. The government aims to maintain the structure’s historical and artistic value while providing a safer and more suitable environment for its appreciation.
“The Kano state government is dedicated to fostering infrastructural development while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. The relocation of the roundabout design is a testament to this commitment,” a statement from Yusuf on Sunday night read.
