Sokoto Gov Speaks Against Mob Justice For Blasphemers Of Prophet Mohammed

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state has vowed to deal decisively with anyone who blasphemes Prophet Mohammed.

The governor however stated that jungle justice will not be allowed for those who committed blasphemy against the Islamic prophet.

The governor spoke after some extremists, on Sunday, mobbed to death Usman Buda for allegedly blaspheming the Muslim prophet.

Buda, a trader in the state was brutally killed in the presence of other traders who tried to save him from the mob.

Some traders who tried to rescue him, according to Ahmad Rufai, Sokoto police spokesperson, were injured by the mob, and are now in critical condition after sustaining serious injuries.

This is not the first time somebody will be killed for abusing the Prophet in the Muslim-dominated state.

Recall the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, in May 2022 by her irate schoolmates for allegedly blaspheming Mohammed.

Reacting to Buda’s murder, Governor Aliyu said anyone who abused the prophet will be dealt with appropriately, saying such acts would not be tolerated.

He said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, that “degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is predominantly a Muslim-dominated community,” will not be allowed in the state, urging 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,” he appealed.