Mob kills man in Bauchi for alleged blasphemy

A young man identified as Yunusa Usman was beaten to death by an irate mob in Nasaru, Ningi Local Council of Bauchi State for allegedly making blasphemous comments.

Yunusa was slain on Wednesday evening after an argument about a religious sect. The situation attracted the attention of many people who were around and following the line of argument among the youths.

According to an eyewitness, the victim was a member of Fera Islamic Sect, but was heard to have spoken words of insults about the Prophet. “Some young men challenged Yunusa to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not. He even repeated it. That was when they started beating him,” the witness said.

According to the locals, policemen tried to save Yunusa but were overpowered by the mob armed with stones, sticks and other dangerous weapons to hit him until he died.

Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Bauchi State Police Command, Ahmed Wakil, said the police was deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident.

“Usman was involved in sharing information about a new religious movement known as the Fera Sect. Regrettably, this led to tensions and an altercation, resulting in his loss of life.

“The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, condemned the actions of individuals involved and emphasised the importance of upholding the law. He expressed the command’s commitment to stepping up surveillance patrols to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” he said.

He charged the public to work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. He urged the community to remain calm and carry out their daily activities without fear of intimidation, as normalcy has been restored in the affected area.