…His house, vehicle set ablaze.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A man, named, Mani Habu Abubakar, has reportedly escaped death by mobs over alleged ‘blasphemous post’ on his social media handle Facebook, the Katsina State Police Command has confirmed.
The victim’s house and vehicle were set ablaze on Tuesday by the mobs, according to a statement by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.
The statement stressed that, a distress call was received at the Batagarawa Divisional Police Headquarters on an ongoing protest at Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza Village, Batagarawa Local Government Area, over the alleged blasphemy.
It added that, immediately after receiving the call, the Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, met with the religious and traditional leaders and government officials.
“On January 30, 2024, at about 20.15 hrs, we received call on an ongoing protest at Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza Village, by one Mani Habu Abubakar, alias Sadi, of the same address, via a Facebook post.
“The irate youths crowd set ablaze his residence and motor vehicle as he and his family escaped unhurt. Upon receipt of the report, officers were mobilised and drafted to the scene where they successfully doused the tension, diminishing the risk of further damage.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, held a meeting with the state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, traditional leaders, religious leaders as well as all relevant stakeholders in the State.
He implored them to call on their followers to embrace peace and be peace ambassadors at all levels, while calling on the general public to continue to be law-abiding and avoid taking the law into their hands.
The CP also assured that detectives are actively pursuing various leads to identify and apprehend the culprit(s) behind the dastardly act, as he further reiterated that the Command remains committed to preserving peace, law and order, while ensuring the safety of citizens of Katsina State.
He stated that, additional resources to enhance security measures throughout the area have been deployed.
“Increased police presence, surveillance and coordinated community engagement initiatives have been implemented to prevent any potential breach of peace and to maintain a harmonious environment for all residents,” it stated.
The Command urges anyone with information related to the incident to kindly come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.