By Abdulkareem Haruna
SOKOTO, Nigeria (HT) — Usman Buda, a butcher, was killed in Sokoto on Sunday over an alleged blasphemous comment against Islam’s Holy Prophet Muhammad.
According to sources, Buda made the remark during an argument with another trader at the Sokoto main abattoir around 8 a.m. But his colwagues and friends denied the assailants’s claims saying it was a murder triggered by envy.
A security operative who confirmed the incident on condition of anonymity said the suspect was originally from Tambuwal local government area but was residing at Gidan Igwe in Sokoto North local government area. He was selling cow entrails at the Sokoto Fish and Vegetables market, which was known as Kasuwan Dankure.
A perishable items seller at Kasuwan Dankure meat and vegetable market whose stand is next to that of Usman, told Daily Trust that he was “shocked” by the sad development.
“I have not been myself since I heard about what happened. I know Usman liked arguments on religious issues, but I didn’t hear him even for once using derogatory remarks against the Prophet’s companions,” he said.
Daily Trust quoted another butcher in the market saying that: “This is how God destined his end.”
The cow entrails seller next to him will now come back because he has been out of the business since during the fasting period due to lack of patronage. Because people patronize Usman more than him.”
The Sokoto state police command, which confirmed the murder, said a distress call was received at about 9:20 a.m. that one Usman Buda ‘M’ of Gwandu local government area, a Butcher at Sokoto Abattoir, allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and was mobbed and attacked.
Eyewitnesses reported that Buda’s closest business partners attempted to rescue him but were overpowered, and he was beaten to death by his fellow butchers. The police later took away his corpse.
Leaders attempted to save Buda but were unable to contain the crowd. Some of Buda’s business partners sustained injuries in the attempt to rescue him and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding blasphemy allegations in Nigeria. An issue respected clerics have not intervened to provide proper education to the adherents.
The Humanitarian Times 