Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state in reacting to the brutal killing of a butcher in state over alleged blasphemy said that his administration would not tolerate any act of blasphemy.
On Sunday,a man identified as Usman Buda,was killed by Muslim extremists over comments on Prophet Mohammed.
The Sokoto state Police Command confirmed the incident through a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer,ASP Ahmad Rufai.
According to the statement, a team of policemen was led to the scene by the Commissioner of Police, and other senior officers only to discover that Buda was lying unconscious while the mob had dissappeared.
The statement said he was taken to Usman Dan Fodio Hospital, Sokoto ( UDUTH) where he was confirmed dead.
Recall that Deborah Emmanuel, a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto was murdered in cold blood in similar circumstances.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, the governor said while his administration would not condone any act capable of degrading the Prophet, particularly in a state like Sokoto which is predominantly Muslim, the people should not take the laws into their hands.
“Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.
“I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.
“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion.”
The governor was also quoted “the present administration will not take the issue of blasphemy lightly, and will deal decisively with anyone found guilty of any act aimed at degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him .” in line with the provision of Islamic laws.
