Nigeria Police Fail To Make Arrests 48 Hours After Mob Killing Of Yunusa Over Alleged Blasphemy, Instead Condemn Act, Issue Safety Advisory

48 hours after a resident of Nasaru village in the Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Usman Yunusa, was lynched on Wednesday over alleged blasphemy by irate Islamic extremists, the Nigeria police have yet to arrest any of the killers.

Rather, the Bauchi State Police Command in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, only condemned the incident.

It also issued a safety advisory and warned the people of the village and the state against taking the law into their own hands.

SaharaReporters had reported how the deceased person was on Wednesday killed by an irate mob over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The mob attacked and killed Yunusa over alleged blasphemous remarks he allegedly made during a heated argument with his friends which attracted the attention of bystanders.

It was gathered that the mob who used stones, sticks, and other objects to fatally assault Yunusa, overwhelmed police personnel who attempted to rescue him.

On Friday, the police command in the state said Yunusa was killed following tensions and an altercation over him sharing information about a new religious movement known as the Fera Movement.

With no information on the arrest of any of Yunusa's killers, the police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, condemned the actions of the individuals involved and emphasised the importance of upholding the law.

The PPRO said, “The Bauchi State Police Command is 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 Fera Movement. Regrettably, this led to tensions and an altercation, resulting in his loss of life.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, condemns the actions of the individuals involved and emphasizes the importance of upholding the law.

“The Bauchi State Police Command is committed to stepping up surveillance patrols to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

“The public must work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies and refrain from taking matters into their own hands.

“We urge the community to remain calm and carry out daily activities without fear of intimidation, as normalcy has been restored in the affected area.

“The Bauchi State Police Command will provide updates on the investigation as it progresses. We also call upon parents, guardians, community leaders, and authoritative figures to maintain vigilance and intervene when necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Unfortunately, Yunusa is not the first victim whose life has been taken prematurely in Northern Nigeria over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but the killer-extremists have continued to escape justice.

Last updated on July 3rd, 2024 at 08:08 am