The assassination of a butcher named Usman Buda by radical Muslims over a purportedly blasphemous remark made against an Islamic prophet has prompted the Sokoto State Police Command to open an inquiry into the incident.
According to reports, the butcher made the remark at 8 a.m. on Sunday at the Sokoto Main Abattoir following a dispute with another trader.
An furious mob surrounded him after hearing his remark, beat him until he became unconscious, and then they fled the scene.
In an effort to save the victim, the police invaded the scene and hurried him to the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, where he passed away while receiving care.
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 09.20 am 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.”
