The Sokoto State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a butcher, Usman Buda, by irate youths over an alleged blasphemous comment against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The victim, who is from Rugar Fulani in Gulmare Village of Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State was killed by his fellow butchers, after allegedly making blasphemous statements on the person of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and allegedly refused to repent when asked to do so by his colleagues.
According to eye witness accounts, Usman Buda in his words said he aligned himself with the statement credited to Sheikh Idris Abdul Azeez (Dutsen Tanshi) of Bauchi State, where he said he neither sought help from any mortal, including the noble prophet in Islam, except Almighty Allah.
Dateline Nigeria gathered that the butcher made the comment during an argument with another trader around 8am on Sunday at the Sokoto Main Abattoir.
He said when Usman was asked to review his statement and repent he said he stood by his statement and what the Sheikh said was right and he support the statement 100 per cent and this provoked the youths around him as he was stoned to death.
Usman Buda lived at Gidan Igwe area with his family in Sokoto metropolis at the time of his death.
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.”
