Ahmed Aliyu, the governor of Sokoto State, has warned that his government will take serious action against anyone found guilty of “blasphemy” against the Islamic Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (PBUH).
In a statement issued under his spokesperson Abubakar Bawa’s signature, the governor made the admission and issued a strong proscription against any behaviour that may “degrade the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is primarily a Muslim-dominated community.”
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Usman Buda, a butcher, was slain on Sunday by radical Muslims over an alleged blasphemous remark, according to earlier confirmation from the Sokoto State Police Command.
Reacting to the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, said efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects.
He said;
A distress call was received around 09.20am that one Usman Buda of the Gwandu Local Government Area, a butcher at the Sokoto Abattoir, allegedly blasphemed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). As a result, he was mobbed and attacked.
Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Metro and Divisional Police Officer, Kwanni, led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene.
Also speaking on the incident, the Governor through Bawa said there’s a need for all the residents to respect and protect the prophet’s dignity and personality.
The statement read;
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.
Dr Aliyu said that 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.
Aliyu’s spokesperson further noted that the governor has warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is the wrong place for them.
Bawa said;
He added that 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
The governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.
The governor also warned would-be troublemakers to have a change of mind, adding that Sokoto is a wrong place for them.
