The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a butcher, Usman Buda, by a mob for alleged blasphemy.
It said Buda was beaten to death for allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.
The victim was confirmed dead at the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital where he was taken to for treatment.
The incident occurred at the Sokoto main abattoir early yesterday.
It was learnt that those who tried to rescue Buda also sustained injuries.
The assailants fled the scene before the police arrived.
In a statement, Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Ahmad Rufa’i said: “A distress call was received at about 09:20 am that one Usman Buda of Gwandu Local Government Area, a butcher at 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 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 Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto for treatment and was later confirmed dead.
“Investigation is on to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book”.
