Tragedy struck in Nasaru village of Ningi local government area, Bauchi State, as a young man identified as Yunusa was brutally killed by a mob on Wednesday over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded around 3pm during a heated argument among Yunusa and his friends, where he purportedly made derogatory remarks against the Prophet.
“A member of the Faira Islamic Sect, Yunusa spoke insulting words about the Prophet. When confronted to retract his statement, he defiantly refused and repeated the remarks,” a witness disclosed anonymously.
Efforts by police personnel to rescue Yunusa were thwarted by the angry mob, who attacked him with stones, sticks, and other weapons until he succumbed to his injuries.
The situation escalated when the mob attempted to set fire to the local police station where Yunusa sought refuge.
Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident, expressing deep sorrow over the events in Nasaru Village.
SP Ahmed Wakili, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, issued a statement condemning the violence and providing insights into the circumstances leading to Yunusa’s death.
“It has come to our attention that an individual named Usman was involved in disseminating information about a new religious movement, the Fera Movement, which unfortunately led to tensions and a fatal altercation,” SP Wakili stated.
Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Muhammad denounced the mob’s actions and emphasized the imperative of upholding the rule of law.
“The public should collaborate with law enforcement agencies and refrain from taking matters into their own hands,” he urged.
Assuring the community of restored calm, SP Wakili added, “The Bauchi State Police Command continues to investigate this incident and will provide updates as the inquiry progresses. We implore parents, guardians, community leaders, and authorities to remain vigilant and intervene promptly to prevent such incidents.”
The tragic death of Yunusa underscores the critical need for tolerance, respect for the law, and peaceful resolution of conflicts within communities.