48 hours after Yunusa was killed by a mob for alleged blasphemy, Nigerian police condemn the act and issue a safety advisory rather than making any arrests.
The Nigerian police have not yet apprehended any of the assassins 48 hours after Usman Yunusa, a native of Nasaru village in the Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, was killed on Wednesday due to accusations of blasphemy by enraged Islamic fanatics.
Instead, the event was merely denounced by the Bauchi State Police Command in a statement released on Friday by SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the command’s public relations officer.
In addition, it issued a safety notice and cautioned the state and local residents against enforcing their own laws.
According to reports from SaharaReporters, the deceased individual was slain on Wednesday by a furious mob due to accusations of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Because Yunusa was believed to have uttered blasphemous words during a heated debate with his friends, which drew the attention of onlookers, the crowd attacked and killed him.
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.
