Sokoto Butcher Killed Over Accusations Of Blasphemy

A butcher identified as Usman Buda in Sokoto State has reportedly been killed following accusations of making blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

It was learnt that the incident, which occurred during a dispute with another trader, took place around 8 am on Sunday at the main Sokoto Abattoir.

An eyewitness disclosed, “Our leaders made a fruitless attempt to save him but they could not contain the crowd. They initially rescued him and hid him before they were overpowered.”

The crowd, largely composed of fellow butchers, reportedly beat Buda to death, with his body later removed by the police.

Close business associates also tried to intervene, with some of them reportedly suffered injuries and now receiving medical treatment.

According to a security officer who wished to remain anonymous, Buda originally came from Tambuwal local government area but was living in Gidan Igwe, Sokoto North local government area.

Buda was known for selling cow entrails at the Sokoto Fish and Vegetables market, also known as Kasuwan Dankure.

A neighbour, Malam Yusuf, expressed shock at Buda’s death, describing him as a religious individual and part of the Izala sect.

Yusuf stated, “There is no way he could make such a statement against the Holy Prophet. There must be a reason behind his murder.”

The Sokoto state police confirmed the murder and reported that they have received a distress call about the incident.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, revealed that a team of policemen were led to the scene by the Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Metro, and DPO Kwanni, only to find the mob had dispersed and Buda left unconscious.

He was transported to Usmanu Danfodio Teaching Hospital Sokoto (UDUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.