A man was killed on Sunday in Sokoto state over an alleged blasphemous comment against the holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW.
The man, identified as Usman Buda Mai Hanji, was said to be a butcher and an indigene of the state.
The deceased was accused of degrading the personality of the Prophet during an argument with another trader at the Sokoto main abattoir on Sunday morning.
Man stoned to death in Sokoto state today for blasphemy ššš„
pic.twitter.com/p9uQFKrwRh— Nwa ā¤ļø (@Nwaadaz) June 25, 2023
Sources who spoke to Daily Trust said all attempts to rescue Hanji from the mob was all to no avail.
“Our leaders made a fruitless attempt to save him but they could not contain the crowd,” the eyewitness said.
“They initially rescued him and hid him before they were overpowered. He was beaten to death by his fellow butchers. His corpse was later taken away by the police.”
Another source revealed that his closest business partners also attempted to rescue him but, “some of them sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”
The Sokoto State Police ComĀmand confirmed the murder and said it has commenced investigation into the killing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmed Rufai, in a statement, said efforts are on to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Giving details of the killing, Rufai said: “A distress call was received at about 09:20hrs that one Usman Buda āMā of Gwandu LGA, a butcher at Sokoto Abattoir, allegedly blasphemed the holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW, as a result, he was mobbed and attacked by some Muslims faithful and inĀflicted serious injuries on him.
“Upon receiving the inforĀmation, the Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Metro and DPO Kwanni led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene.
“On arrival, the mob esĀcaped the scene and left the vicĀtim unconscious where he was rescued and taken to Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (UDUTH) for treatment and was later confirmed dead at the said hospital. Meanwhile, investigation is on to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.”
Meanwhile, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Malam Abubakar Bawa, 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 predominantly a Muslim-dominated community.
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 hands, instead, they report any alleged crime of blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action,” he appealed.
“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into oneās hand, so let us try to be good followers of our religion.”
He added that the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with any one found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of the Prophet, peace be upon him, in line with the provision of Islamic laws.
The governor also assured the people of the state of his administrationās commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.
