Violence erupts in Sokoto as blasphemy accusation claims another life

In a tragic incident that took place at the Sokoto metropolis abattoir on Sunday,  a butcher Usman Buda, was brutally killed by an enraged mob after being accused of making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.

It was gathered that Buda’s alleged blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad, triggered a confrontation with the people present.

Eyewitnesses reported that when confronted about his comments, Buda defiantly repeated them, refusing to retract his statement.

While some suggested that he may have had mental health issues, his business acquaintances, who were familiar with him, attested that he had no history of such problems.

As tensions escalated, the mob began to attack and beat him mercilessly, ultimately leading to his demise. However, the precise nature of the blasphemous statement Buda made was not disclosed by the witnesses.

Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Police Command released a statement through its spokesperson, Ahmad Rufai, stating that they received a distress call and promptly intervened.

“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 Abattoir allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW); as a result, he was mobbed and attacked by some Muslims faithful and inflicted serious injuries on him,” the police said in a statement.

Unfortunately, the mob had fled the scene, leaving Buda unconscious. He was immediately rushed to Usmanu Danfodio Teaching Hospital Sokoto for treatment but was later pronounced dead.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter, aiming to apprehend those responsible for the gruesome act and the situation in the area has since returned to a state of calm.

Deborah Yakubu lynched over allegations of blasphemy in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

This horrifying incident follows a similar case in May 2022 when a student at the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto Deborah Samuel, was lynched by her fellow students on accusations of blasphemy.

The shocking nature of these crimes has sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for justice and appeals to the government to apprehend the perpetrators.

These incidents also underscore the urgent need for measures to protect freedom of speech and religious tolerance, ensuring that justice is served and such acts of violence are unequivocally condemned in society.