ASHENEWS reports that the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a butcher, Usman Buda Mai Hanji for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.
Also, the Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu has has called on the people of the state to remain calm and be law abiding at all times.
This online platform gathered from a source that Mai Hanji’s death at about 10 am on Sunday, followed an argument over a certain comment dreamed by his attackers as blasphemous.
According to the source, when the mob tried to stone him, Mai Hanji was taken into protection by a good Samaritan, and a call was put through to the Konni Divisional Police Officer, who dispatched three policemen.
“The Police officers could not contain the crowd that was attracted to the Mai Hanji, who many people there were not happy with, especially when they were told of the alleged comment against the Holy Prophet.
“They forced themselves into where he was protected and beaten to death,” the source told ASHENEWS.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in a statement by the acting spokesperson, ASP Ahmad Rufai made available to newsmen on Sunday evening, said investigation has commenced into the matter.
Narrating the scenario that led to the murder of Mai Hanji, the Police said when the Command got the information about the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Hayatu Kaigama; the Area Commander Metro and the DPO Kwanni led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene.
The statement added that the mob, on seeing the Police, dispersed and the victim was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) where he was confirmed dead.
“On 25th June, 2023 at about 0955hrs, a distress call was received at about 0920hrs that one Usman Buda ‘M’ of Gwandu LGA a Butcher at Sokoto Abbatoir allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a result he was mobbed and attacked by some Muslim faithful and inflicted serious injuries on him.
“Upon receiving the information, 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 escaped the scene and left the victim 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,” the statement read.
Reacting to the development, governor Aliyu, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, 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 predominantly a Muslim dominated community.
He further counseled 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 or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.
“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hand, so let us try to be good followers of our religion,” he appealed.
The Governor also said “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 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.
He warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.
