A group of religious extremists descended on a butcher, known as Mallam Usman Buda, and maimed him to death over a blasphemous remark he made against the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH).
A source said, the incident occurred on Sunday morning, June 25, 2023, at the metropolis abattoir, Sokoto State.
It is said that the unfortunate incident took place during an argument between the deceased and another trader, where he made the remark that cost him his life.
As at the time of filing this report, it is still unclear the blasphemous remark he actually said that made the mob to kill him.
Ali, an eyewitness, who was present when the incident happened said the victim made the alleged remark, and repeated it thrice in the presence of everyone when he was accosted, a confirmation that elicited the attack on him.
According to Ali: “My brother was at the abattoir when it occurred. When Usman (Mr Buda) insulted the Prophet, some people said he had mental issues, but most of those around him, who were his business friends, said he was never known to have any mental issues.
“Some young men challenged Usman (Mr Buda) to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not. He even repeated it thrice. That was when they started beating him.”
Effort by the management of the abattoir to save the victim from the irate mob proved futile as the crowd overpowered those who came to his rescue.
A different version of the sad incident by another eyewitness alleged that Mallam Buda was actually lynched by his fellow butchers.
“They initially rescued him and hid him before they were overpowered.
“He was beaten to death by his fellow butchers. His corpse was later taken away by the police,” the eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has also confirmed the killing in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa, on Sunday.
“On 25th June 2023 at about 0955hrs, a distress call was received at about 0920hrs that one Usman Buda ‘M’ of Gwandu LGA a Butcher at Sokoto Abbatoir allegedly blasphemed the holy prophet Muhammad (SAW); as a result, he was mobbed and attacked by some Muslims faithful and inflicted Serious injuries on him.
“Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Metro and DPO Kwanni led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene. On arrival, the mob escaped the scene and left the victim unconscious; where he was rescued and taken to Usmanu Danfodio Teaching Hospital Sokoto (UDUTH) for treatment and was later confirmed dead at the said Hospital. Meanwhile, the area is calm,” the statement noted.
Rufai said the command had begun an investigation into the incident.
