A butcher identified as Usman Buda has been killed in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.
According to reports, the butcher allegedly made the comment during an argument with another trader at the Sokoto main Abattoir around 8 am on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses recount that Buda was attacked by his fellow butchers and those who attempted to rescue him sustained injuries and “are currently receiving treatment at the hospital”.
The deceased reportedly hailed from Tambuwal local government area but resided at Gidan Igwe in Sokoto North, where he sold cow entrails at the Sokoto Fish and Vegetables Market.
One of his neighbours identified as Malam Yusuf described his death as painful.
“Usman is my immediate neighbour. He is very religious; in fact, he belonged to Izala sect. We prayed and attended Tafsir together at primary board quarters. There is no way he could make such a statement against the Holy Prophet.”
Yusuf also said Buda was very popular in his business and was envied by many of his colleagues.
Another close neighbour to him at the market said, “I have not been myself since I heard about what happened. I know Usman liked arguments on religious issues but I didn’t hear him even for once using derogatory remarks against the Prophet’s companions,” he said
However, the specific statement made by Buda which was considered to be blasphemous was not stated in the report.
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The state police command confirmed the mob killing and said it received a distress call at about 9:20 am that one Usman Buda of Gwandu local government area, a “butcher at Sokoto Abattoir allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and as a result, he was mobbed and attacked”.
“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,” a statement signed by the spokesperson for the police command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’I, said.
“Meanwhile, Investigation is on to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book,” it added
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times.
The governor made the plea in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Malam Abubakar Bawa, while cautioning 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, and 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.
He added 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 the wrong place for them.
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