Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a young man identified as Yunusa Usman over alleged blasphemy.
Usman was beaten to death on Wednesday by an irate mob in Nasaru, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Police Public Relations Officer PPRO Mohammed Ahmed Wakil said.
He said that the police were deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident in Nasaru Village on the 19th of June, 2024.
“It has come to our attention that an individual named Usman was involved in sharing information about a new religious movement known as the Faira Movement.
“Regrettably, this led to tensions and an altercation, resulting in his loss of life,” he said.
Wakil said the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad condemned the actions of the individuals involved and emphasised the importance of upholding the law.
He expressed the command’s commitment to stepping up surveillance patrols to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
He advised the public to work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, even as he urged the community to remain calm and carry out their daily activities without fear of intimidation, as normalcy has been restored in the affected area.
Reports said Yunusa was mobbed at about 3pm on Wednesday after an argument about a religious sect.
The situation attracted the attention of many people who were around and following the line of argument among them.
An eyewitness said the victim was a member of Faira Islamic Sect, he was heard speaking words considered insulting on the Prophet.
‘Some young men challenged Yunusa to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not. He even repeated it. That was when they started beating him,” according to the witness.
According to residents, police personnel tried to save Yunusa but were overpowered by the youths who used stones and sticks to beat him to death.
